The Right Way To Drink Absinthe (And Why You Need A Slotted Spoon)

Absinthe isn't your average spirit. The high-proof alcohol carries with it a pretty big and dark reputation. The drink is often associated with the Belle Epoque period in Paris, during which absinthe served as a popular drink amongst artists and the working class in the bustling city. And though absinthe is often miscategorized as a hallucinogen, it is no more than an incredibly high-proof liquor. 

With that being said, the drink's recent resurgence in popularity does call for a very necessary refresher on the proper way to prepare absinthe. Of course, there are several creative ways of enjoying the drink. You could always swap your vodka for absinthe in your next martini, for example. However, if you want a truly authentic absinthe experience, there is a proper, and very Belle Epoque way of going about things. 

For a perfectly prepared glass of absinthe, you will need a glass, one ounce of absinthe, 3-5 ounces of cold water, a sugar cube, or about a teaspoon of sugar, and a slotted spoon. To prepare, simply pour about one ounce of absinthe into your glass and cover the glass with a slotted spoon. Then, place a cube of sugar on the spoon, and pour your water over the cube of sugar. Once the water is poured and most of your sugar has dissolved, dip your spoon into the glass and stir to dissolve any remaining crystals. And, voila! you will have a cloudy, sweet cup of perfectly prepared absinthe.

Now this might seem like quite the process to enjoy a glass of absinthe, but don't fret, this method is worth the effort. Though the ingredients are simple, the effect of the added water and sugar takes the spirit from pure liquor to a delightful and refreshing drink. Believe it or not, water is perhaps the most essential ingredient in this preparation. The added water does more than just dilute the alcohol taste of your absinthe, it also enhances the taste of the aromatic oils within the drink (think anise and wormwood). 

But in addition to changing the drink's flavor, the added water also changes the absinthe's physical appearance, giving the bright green drink a cloudy appearance. This is called the louche, or the ouzo effect, and it is a common occurrence in anise-based liquors, such as ouzo or absinthe. The ouzo effect occurs when non-water soluble ingredients (like anise) are introduced to water. The introduction of water causes the non-alcoholic and non-water soluble components to separate from your alcohol, thus turning your drink a murky color. This preparation is completely transformative and can help you to truly savor the depth and beauty of the liquor otherwise known as the green fairy.

This absinthe preparation isn't only a neat and tasty way to drink the green spirit, however. It is also a part of a larger tradition surrounding the drink that stretches back to the bustling, streets of 19th-century Belle Epoque Paris, where absinthe fountains pocked the cafe counters and the preparation of the drink came along with a whole array of very specific tools known as absinthiana. These tools were used in absinthe rituals, which were popular during the heyday of the drink.

Absinthe fountains, large containers containing ice water, were often placed within cafes. These fountains had several spouts so that multiple glasses could be poured at a time. Absinthe glasses were also popular during the late 19th century, designed with a small bubble at the base to perfectly measure out the pour of absinthe. And then, of course, there was the absinthe spoon. These spoons featured slots on the top, perfect for holding sugar and allowing water to pour through. 

Absinthe spoons were often highly decorative, featuring intricate designs. All of these aspects combined to make the consumption of absinthe into a social activity that required both care and attention, similar to the current Parisian tradition of hot chocolate consumption, which also includes a good helping of butter And though absinthiana is not as prevalent now as it was in the days of the Belle Epoque, that doesn't mean that you can't prepare an absinthe ritual of your own. And you don't even need an absinthe spoon to do so, a regular old slotted spoon will work just as well.