Absinthe

An alcoholic beverage derived from botanicals

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic beverage that is derived from various botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium, also known as "grand wormwood," along with anise, fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. It is often referred to as "la fée verte" or "the green fairy" due to its natural green color.

History

Absinthe originated in the late 18th century in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. It became popular in late 19th and early 20th century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. The drink was associated with bohemian culture and was consumed by famous figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Production

Absinthe is traditionally prepared by distilling neutral alcohol with botanicals, primarily wormwood, anise, and fennel. The distillation process results in a high-proof spirit that is often diluted with water before consumption. The addition of water causes the drink to louche, or turn cloudy, due to the precipitation of essential oils.

Ingredients

• Artemisia absinthium: Commonly known as grand wormwood, it is the primary ingredient that gives absinthe its distinctive flavor and name.
• Anise: Provides a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
• Fennel: Adds a sweet and aromatic quality to the drink.
• Other herbs such as hyssop, melissa, and coriander may also be used.

Cultural Impact

Absinthe has been the subject of many works of art and literature. It was famously depicted in paintings such as Edgar Degas' "L'Absinthe" and Albert Maignan's "La muse verte." The drink was also featured in the writings of Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, and Arthur Rimbaud.

Controversy and Legal Status

In the early 20th century, absinthe was banned in many countries due to its alleged harmful effects and association with social disorder. The bans were largely based on the belief that thujone, a compound found in wormwood, was hallucinogenic. Modern research has shown that the thujone content in absinthe is too low to cause such effects.

In recent years, absinthe has experienced a revival, and it is now legal in many countries, including the United States and most of the European Union.

Preparation and Serving

Absinthe is traditionally served by placing a sugar cube on a specially designed absinthe spoon, which is then placed over a glass containing a measure of absinthe. Cold water is slowly dripped over the sugar cube, dissolving it and diluting the absinthe to taste.

Related pages

• Artemisia absinthium
• Anise
• Fennel
• Alcoholic beverage

Gallery

• 

  A glass of absinthe

• 

  "La muse verte" by Albert Maignan

• 

  Absinthe frappé

• 

  "L'Absinthe" by Edgar Degas

• 

  Absinthe Beucler

• 

  Absinthe advertisement

• 

  Anise plant

• 

  Fennel plant

• 

  Foeniculum vulgare

• 

  Anise seeds

• 

  Absinthe spoons

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe

• 

  Absinthe