Absinthe Olde-style recipe

This is as close to the original Absinthe as you can get. Absente is very similar, but substitutes "Southern Wormwood" -- which is thujone free -- so it can be sold legally anywhere. Wormwood extract is safe in moderation, and is also legal. Mixing with ice and sugar produces a proper "louche", as per the original preparation method, which entailed pouring iced water over sugar cubes set on a slotted spoon balanced over one's glass of Absinthe -- the shaker method works better, and is less complex.

rating

4.5

8 votes

serve in

Old-Fashioned Glass

alcohol

42%

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2 oz Absente® herbal liqueur
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp liquid wormwood extract

Pour the Absente liqueur (legal to import), granulated sugar, and 20 drops (approx 1/2 tsp) liquid wormwood extract (available from many health food stores -- Herb Pharm is a good choice) into a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into an old-fashioned glass, and serve.

3 commentsadd comments

Where do I get a wormwood extract?

posted by AALISYS @ 08:16AM, 10/30/06

Where do I get a wormwood extract? I believe this is an illegal extract in my country (Mexico).

Loveliest concoction ever!!

posted by bleh @ 11:50PM, 12/17/06

The way the sugar melts into a glass of fire, and the color molds into a white white louche.

TRUE Absinthe

posted by Carla @ 08:17PM, 5/27/07

Forget the Wormwood Extract. It is 100% legal to import the REAL absinthe into the US via the internet. There are actually quite a few sites you can do this, but a word of caution. Absinthes that originate from the Czech republic can be very erratic and downright caustic. Stick with the French or Suisse. Cheers!