Absinthe

I've enjoyed the Green Menace only once, on a houseboat in Amsterdam.  That seemed like a pretty good setting for a first taste.  Next I'd like to try some of the recreations that have been reverse engineered from original bottles from the days before it was banned.  You can buy those here and read about them here.  Or if you are of the DIY inclination here's a recipe for Absinthe that you can make yourself, from this site (it's in german).

Absinthe

One ounce dried chopped wormwood

One tablespoon angelica root

One teaspoon hyssop

(wormwood, angelica root and hyssop and be bought here)

One half teaspoon coriander seeds

One quarter teaspoon caraway seeds

One pinch cardomon pods

One tablespoon fennel or anise seeds

750 ml. 100 proof vodka

In a glass container add the wormwood to the vodka. Set aside in the dark for ten days. For extra-powerful absinthe, use Everclear or 151 rum instead of vodka. This will give you an authentic green-colored tincture (the green comes from the chlorophyll, and does not indicate the presence of the active ingredient, thujone).100 proof vodka works best.

Strain out the wormwood and add all the remining herbs and spices. Wait four more days, then strain these out and serve. Best drunk straight in short shots with water chasers.

Link to where to buy the real stuff

Link to Wired article about Ted Breux, who recreates original Absinthe and is responsible for Nouvelle-Orléans Absinthe

Comments

[melissa]

i love the green fairy......
why is it banned? had it in oz.. is it banned in oz? can i get it in the US?
the fairy made me laugh.. alot... was watching some crap tv and that was so funny... then i knew it was good stuff...