Green Fairy Accessories & Preparation
Proper Tools For Mixing Absinthe
Just a few years ago, if you wanted a bottle of authentic Absinthe you had to pay an arm and a leg to import it from outside the country. Now, there are over 200 brands fighting for shelf space at your local liquor store. It's mind boggling to see so many old favorites and new formulations enjoying the current renaissance of Absinthe. Yet many of the old myths about its dangers and hallucinogenic properties hang on. Simply put, Absinthe does not cause hallucinations and is no more dangerous than any other distilled spirit.
Unique to Absinthe is how it's prepared and served. The method of presentation and preparation make this by far one of the most unique liquors ever. The ritual of drinking a proper glass of Absinthe are steeped in as much mystery and lore as the beloved 'Green Fairy' Herself. Absinthe is an incredibly potent spirit with an average Alcohol content of 165 percent - twice that of Vodka. It requires a high alcohol content to keep the herbs and botanicals used in its distillation dissolved or the liquor would be a cloudy color. The high alcohol content is why Absinthe can't and shouldn't be taken neat. It has to be diluted with water at an average 1:4 ratio. This brings us to the other half of the Absinthe mystery - what accessories do you need for proper preparation.
Unique to Absinthe is how it's prepared and served. The method of presentation and preparation make this by far one of the most unique liquors ever. The ritual of drinking a proper glass of Absinthe are steeped in as much mystery and lore as the beloved 'Green Fairy' Herself. Absinthe is an incredibly potent spirit with an average Alcohol content of 165 percent - twice that of Vodka. It requires a high alcohol content to keep the herbs and botanicals used in its distillation dissolved or the liquor would be a cloudy color. The high alcohol content is why Absinthe can't and shouldn't be taken neat. It has to be diluted with water at an average 1:4 ratio. This brings us to the other half of the Absinthe mystery - what accessories do you need for proper preparation.
Absinthe Fountains & Drippers
The basics accoutrements you'll need include a quality absinthe fountain, glass and spoon. The fountain is not for the Absinthe but rather the ice water that will be slowly dripped into the Absinthe. By slowly adding water, the alcohol content is gradually reduced resulting in the release of the intense flavors and an incredible bouquet of the botanical oils held captive in the absinthe. The process of adding water is known as the 'Louche".
Absinthe spoons too are essential. An absinthe spoon is specially designed with holes or slots in it to allow the water to flow through it. A sugar cube is placed on top of the spoon which is placed on top of your glass containing the "dose" of Absinthe. As the water is dripped from the fountain through the spoon, a beautiful louche will be produced.
•MORE: Shop Absinthe Fountains
Absinthe spoons too are essential. An absinthe spoon is specially designed with holes or slots in it to allow the water to flow through it. A sugar cube is placed on top of the spoon which is placed on top of your glass containing the "dose" of Absinthe. As the water is dripped from the fountain through the spoon, a beautiful louche will be produced.
•MORE: Shop Absinthe Fountains
Louching
The essential oils in Absinthe are soluble in alcohol but not water. It's water that will transform the oils into micro-solids causing a dense cloud to build inside the glass. This is the Louche and its critical in ensuring a proper glass of Absinthe.
The process is akin to watching turbulent storm clouds rolling inside your glass. Without quality accessories this critical element is lost.
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The process is akin to watching turbulent storm clouds rolling inside your glass. Without quality accessories this critical element is lost.
You May Also Like
Absinthe Myth And Mystery
Choosing Absinthe Accessories
Where To Buy Strong Absinthe
