Absinthe looks fairly whimsical thanks to its distinct green color and the interesting stories it carries with its story. However, if you’re an absinthe connoisseur, here are a few interesting frequently asked questions that you must know about. Right from its history to why you could hallucinate, we’ve got answers to all your questions. So, sit back, pour yourself a drink and keep reading!
5 Absinthe FAQs We Have The Answers To
1. What Exactly Is Absinthe?
Absinthe is not an alcoholic beverage, neither is it a cocktail. Instead, it is a spirit. Made from anise, wormwood, and fennel, it is known for its distinct green color. It packs a solid punch in its alcohol content, having an alcohol by volume (ABV) of a minimum of 45%. This ABV can go as high as 74%, but Indian laws don’t permit the production of such high ABV spirit. It gained popularity in 19th-century France and has been one of the most sought after spirits in the world, particularly for its color, taste, and hallucinating effects.
2. Does Absinthe Really Cause Hallucinations?
No, absinthe produced today does not cause hallucinations. It traditionally contains wormwood that is known to contain thujone. Now, this chemical compound contains a neurotoxin that has the potential to cause hallucinations and even seizures. In earlier days while extracting wormwood, it was possible to cross a certain threshold beyond which the extracted product contained thujone. However, global laws and regulations prohibit crossing this certain threshold – so, worry not! Your absinthe does not contain thujone today and you’ll not have hallucinations!
Also Read: High On The Throne: The Secret Love Affair Of Mughals And Alcohol In The Mughal Court
3. What’s The Best Way To Enjoy Absinthe?
Well, to enjoy it (or any other drink), you need friends! But jokes apart, the best way to enjoy absinthe is to have it with soda, tonic water, or stir it up in a decadent cocktail. If you’re having it as it is, here’s another way to do it:
- Pour 1 ounce of absinthe into a half-filled glass of crushed ice.
- Place a sugar cube directly on top of the crushed ice.
- Slowly pour club soda on top of the sugar cube until it dissolves Pour club soda very slowly on the top of the sugar cube.
- Stir it well and you have a magical, whimsical drink in your hand!
Also, here are a few absinthe cocktails that you can experiment with:
- Death in the Afternoon: Absinthe + champagne
- Green Beast: Lime juice + sugar + water + absinthe
- Stars & Stripes: Blueberry vodka + simple syrup + lemon juice + raspberry brandy + ginger beer + absinthe
4. What Is The Alcohol Content Of Absinthe Compared To Other Spirits?
Absinthe contains higher alcohol content than most other spirits and liqueurs. Most liqueurs like Cointreau, Kahlua, and Amaretto contain an ABV between 15 to 30%. Many spirits like vodka, gin, whisky, etc contain an ABV that ranges between 35 to 50%. However, it tops them all with its ABV ranging anywhere between 45 to 75%. In fact, there are a few absinthe brands that contain an ABV of a whopping 79%! Yes, you read it right!
This makes absinthe a high-proof liquor even though many assume that it is a high-proof liqueur.
Also Read: How To Serve And Drink Absinthe The Right Way
5. Why Was The ‘Green Fairy’ Banned?
Absinthe became a huge rage in the late 19th century in many regions of the world, including France and Europe. However, the ban of absinthe has been credited to its overconsumption and the hallucinating effects it had on people during these times.
When Van Gogh, a prominent artist of the 19th century chopped off his ear, it is often blamed on his absinthe consumption. The drink was also blamed for many incidents of people turning to mental asylums – often believed to have been caused by excessive absinthe consumption.
Probably the most notorious incident that’s still discussed about absinthe overconsumption goes back to 1905. A Swiss peasant by the name of Jaean Lanfray shot and killed his pregnant wife and two daughters in a drunken rage. A similar incident occurred in Geneva where a man murdered his wife under the influence of absinthe. These violent events led to a massive outcry across Switzerland where it eventually got banned in 1910. The Netherlands also banned it in 1910 while the United States banned it in 1912. France too eventually banned it in 1915.
Summing Up
This ‘Green Fairy’ has had its fair share of controversies and interesting stories but has managed to be one of the most popular liquors in the world. Whether you’re curious about its storied past, intrigued by its intense flavor, or just looking to mix up a unique cocktail, absinthe offers an experience like no other. Just remember, this spirit is not for the faint-hearted—sip it slow, savor the ritual, and let the Green Fairy guide your evening (responsibly, of course)!
