The Beginners Guide To Types Of Whiskey Invaluable Whiskey Drinks

Absinthe/Pastis 101 The Ultimate Guide Absinthe recipe, Supercall

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Table of Contents

• Difference Between Absinthe And Pastis
• Cocktails With Absinthe
• Misconceptions About Absinthe
• Wormwood in Absinthe
• History of Absinthe

Difference Between Absinthe And Pastis

Absinthe and pastis are both popular anise-flavored spirits, but they have some distinct differences.

Absinthe is traditionally made with a combination of botanicals, including anise, fennel, and wormwood. It is known for its high alcohol content, usually around 60-75% ABV. The production process involves macerating the botanicals in a base spirit and then distilling the mixture. Absinthe is often associated with a green color, which comes from the chlorophyll in the botanicals.

Pastis, on the other hand, is a liqueur that originated in France. It is made by macerating a combination of botanicals, including anise and licorice, in a base spirit. The alcohol content of pastis is typically lower than absinthe, ranging from 40-45% ABV. Pastis is often clear in color and is usually mixed with water before drinking.

In terms of flavor, absinthe has a more complex and herbal taste compared to pastis. It has a distinct anise flavor, but the presence of wormwood gives it a slightly bitter and earthy undertone. Pastis, on the other hand, has a sweeter and more pronounced licorice taste.

Both absinthe and pastis are enjoyed by diluting them with water, which is known as the "louche" effect. When water is added to absinthe or pastis, it causes the botanical oils to emulsify and create a cloudy appearance.

In summary, the main differences between absinthe and pastis are their production methods, alcohol content, flavors, and appearance. Absinthe is a high-proof spirit with a complex herbal taste, while pastis is a lower-proof liqueur with a sweeter licorice flavor.

Cocktails With Absinthe

Absinthe is a versatile spirit that can be used to create a variety of cocktails. Its unique flavor profile and high alcohol content make it a popular choice for mixologists looking to add a touch of complexity to their drinks. Here are a few popular cocktails that feature absinthe:

The Sazerac

The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans. It is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's bitters. The absinthe is used to rinse the glass, adding a subtle layer of anise flavor to the drink. The rye whiskey and bitters provide a spicy and aromatic profile, making the Sazerac a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.

The Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a refreshing cocktail that is said to have "magical" properties in curing hangovers. It is made with gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a dash of absinthe. The absinthe contributes to the cocktail's complexity and adds a unique herbal note to balance out the citrus and floral flavors.

The Death in the Afternoon

The Death in the Afternoon is a cocktail invented by the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. It is made with absinthe and champagne, creating a bubbly and potent drink. Hemingway's instructions for the cocktail were simple: "Pour one jigger absinthe into a Champagne glass. Add iced Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Drink three to five of these slowly."

These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that can be made with absinthe. Its distinct flavor and high alcohol content make it a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate classic cocktails or create unique concoctions.

Misconceptions About Absinthe

Absinthe has a long and storied history, and over the years, it has gained a reputation for being a mysterious and dangerous spirit. However, many of the popular misconceptions about absinthe are based on myths and misinformation. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about absinthe:

Absinthe Makes You Hallucinate

One of the most enduring myths about absinthe is that it has hallucinogenic properties. This misconception can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when absinthe was blamed for a wave of alcoholism and social problems. In reality, absinthe does not contain any substances that can cause hallucinations. The myth likely originated from the high alcohol content of absinthe and the rituals associated with its consumption, such as the traditional method of diluting the spirit with water using a special absinthe spoon and sugar cube.

Absinthe is Highly Toxic

Another misconception about absinthe is that it is highly toxic and can cause severe health problems. While it is true that absinthe contains a compound called thujone, which is found in wormwood, the levels of thujone in modern absinthe are highly regulated and are not considered to be dangerous. In fact, the amount of thujone in absinthe is similar to the levels found in other common herbs, such as sage and tarragon.

Absinthe is Illegal Everywhere

There is a common belief that absinthe is illegal in many countries. While it is true that absinthe was banned in several countries, including the United States and many European countries, for several decades, these bans have since been lifted. In most countries, absinthe is now legal as long as it complies with certain regulations regarding thujone content and production methods.

Absinthe is Always Green

Many people associate absinthe with a vibrant green color, but this is not always the case. While some absinthes do have a green hue, there are also clear and amber-colored absinthes available. The color of absinthe is determined by the chlorophyll content of the botanicals used in its production. Clear absinthe, also known as "blanche" or "white" absinthe, is made using a slightly different production process that does not involve macerating the botanicals for as long.

These are just a few examples of the misconceptions surrounding absinthe. It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to this fascinating spirit, and to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Wormwood in Absinthe

Wormwood is a key ingredient in absinthe and is responsible for much of its distinct flavor and aroma. But what exactly is wormwood, and why is it used in absinthe?

Wormwood, also known as Artemisia absinthium, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly as a digestive aid and a treatment for various ailments. In the context of absinthe, wormwood is prized for its unique flavor and its association with the spirit's historical and cultural significance.

The main active compound in wormwood is a chemical called thujone, which is known for its slightly psychoactive properties. Thujone is found in various plants, including sage and tarragon, but it is most commonly associated with wormwood. In absinthe, thujone is extracted from the wormwood during the distillation process and contributes to the spirit's complex flavor profile.

Contrary to popular belief, the levels of thujone in modern absinthe are highly regulated and are not considered to be dangerous. In the past, absinthe was blamed for various health problems, including hallucinations and seizures, but these claims were largely based on misinformation and exaggeration. The bans on absinthe in the early 20th century were more a result of political and social factors than any actual health concerns.

Today, absinthe producers carefully monitor the thujone content of their products to ensure that they comply with legal limits. In the United States, for example, absinthe must contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of thujone to be considered legal for sale. In Europe, the legal limit is slightly higher, at 35 ppm.

Wormwood also plays a role in the traditional rituals