What You'll Need To Make Absinthe

Traditional absinthe preparation generally relies on an absinthe fountain or carafe, grooved absinthe spoons (one for each participant), sugar cubes sized for the spoons and absinthe glasses (one for each participant). Apart from the carafe and sugar cubes, these unique items are specific to absinthe.

How to prepare Absinthe

To begin with, the absinthe is poured into an absinthe glass, which has a line or reservoir used to indicate a dose of absinthe. The standard dose of absinthe is 30 ml or one fluid ounce, but varies according to the size of glass used. An absinthe spoon is then placed on the rim of the glass and a sugar cube on the spoon. Ice-cold water flows slowly from an absinthe fountain, carafe or rocker over the sugar cube. As the sugar water flows from the spoon into the absinthe glass, the mixture begins to cloud to an opalescent white, with a greenish-yellow tinge. This effect is called the "louche" and occurs when the essential oils are unable to disperse in the water, creating a cloudy effect. In addition to this change in appearance, as the oils are released, the air becomes perfumed with the scent of anise, fennel and grand wormwood. Once the sugar has dissolved from the spoon, the absinthe can be sampled and the strength and sweetness adjusted by adding more water or sugar, to taste. The mixing ratio is also to taste, generally 1 part absinthe to 3 to 5 parts water. As well as adding to the overall flavour of the drink, sugar has traditionally been used to help mask the bitterness of grand wormwood.

Absinthe is now traditionally prepared in the same way as it was over 100 years ago and is ready to drink. Cheers!

_________________________________________________

If you're a more visual learner, we've got an infographic that lays out the whole process, step by step, in a fun and interesting way. See it below: