How To Drink Absinthe
Louche The Green Fairy
Absinthe Ritual
Absinthe has a past is full of mystery and myth. Even more obscure than absinthe itself is how to properly perform the Absinthe Ritual.
Adhering to the centuries old Absinthe Ritual provides the ambiance, aroma and taste sought by veteran absintheurs. The first mistake most new absinthe enthusiasts make is to simply add water to their absinthe and wonder why it tastes less than perfect. The reason the absinthe ritual has remained unchanged for over 100 years is you can actually taste the difference between a properly prepared absinthe and one that has simply had water added. Here are the most important steps used to make a perfectly louched absinthe every time. Louching
1.) Pour a dose of absinthe into your absinthe glass. This is where a reservoir absinthe glass comes in handy. Simply fill the reservoir with absinthe then fill the glass with water. This gives a perfect ratio as absinthe is usually mixed 1/3 to 1/5 (1 part absinthe to 3 or 5 parts water). If you don't have a reservoir glass, start by adding a small portion of absinthe and louche. Adjust the amount of absinthe and water according to your taste. You should remember that different absinthe brands will require different mixtures for your personal taste.
2) Place your absinthe spoon on top of your glass with the sugar cube on top the spoon. Absinthe spoons are specially designed spoons with holes or slits that allow water through. Please Note: Sugar is optional. The wormwood in absinthe may lend a slightly bitter taste that some prefer to attenuate with sugar. Many serious absintheurs insist sugar brings out the delicate intricacies of the herbs and botanicals enhancing their taste. It is highly recommended you try your absinthe with and without sugar. 3) Slowly pour water over the sugar. As the water dissolves the sugar cube, the louche will form. A slow stream or drip is best. You can do this by hand with a carafe but an absinthe fountain is much easier to use and more beautiful to watch. |
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Why Use The Absinthe Ritual
The theatrics involved in the ritual of absinthe preparation are not only interesting but also a requirement for producing a drink of superior taste. You see, the herbs used in absinthe are dissolved in solution by the high alcohol content absinthe possesses. To release the taste and aroma of the spirit, a ritual known as "La Louche" is required. This involves adding the coldest, purest water to your absinthe in a slow, methodical way preferably a slow stream or drip of water. The slow addition of water reduces the alcohol content allowing the slow release of the herbal properties in the form of an oil. The drink becomes a milky, opalescent, white as the cold water is added. The final product, a cloudy, beautifully aromatic cocktail, is called a "louched" absinthe.
Flaming or Czech Method
Here I will mention the "Czech" or "Flaming" method of Absinthe preparation. This is for comparison purposes only and should not be attempted. This method will produce a poor tasting absinthe. Also, mixing fire with high proof alcohol, such as absinthe, is really a stupid thing to do.
1.) Follow step 1 above but before placing the sugar on the spoon, soak it in absinthe for 10-15 seconds. You can also pour the absinthe over the cube while atop the spoon
2.) Light the absinthe soaked sugar cube on fire and let it caramelize and drip through the spoon before you begin adding the water. After, mix what is left of the cube into your drink.
Note that this method is not only dangerous but will ruin your absinthe and you absinthe spoon. The Flaming method is looked down upon by those considering themselves true absintheurs.
1.) Follow step 1 above but before placing the sugar on the spoon, soak it in absinthe for 10-15 seconds. You can also pour the absinthe over the cube while atop the spoon
2.) Light the absinthe soaked sugar cube on fire and let it caramelize and drip through the spoon before you begin adding the water. After, mix what is left of the cube into your drink.
Note that this method is not only dangerous but will ruin your absinthe and you absinthe spoon. The Flaming method is looked down upon by those considering themselves true absintheurs.
