March 5th is National Absinthe Day, a day dedicated to the enigmatic emerald elixir that has intrigued and inspired for centuries. Known as The Green Fairy, absinthe has a long and storied history, steeped in mystery, allure, and a bit of controversy. As you drip ice-cold water over a sugar cube and watch the green liquid turn cloudy, you’re not just preparing a drink—you’re participating in a ritual that has captivated artists, writers, and free spirits alike.

Absinthe is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. With its intense anise flavor and high alcohol content, this distilled spirit is known for its unique preparation method and the ritual that accompanies it. It’s no wonder absinthe has been called The Green Goddess, The Green Lady, and The Green Fairy. Historically, it was celebrated by artists and aristocrats who believed it could enhance creativity and open the mind to new ideas.

The origins of absinthe are shrouded in mystery. While wormwood, a key ingredient in absinthe, was used by the ancient Greeks for medicinal purposes, the first known recipe for absinthe as we know it today is attributed to Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor who is said to have created it as a “cure-all” elixir around 1792.

Absinthe gained popularity in the late 18th and 19th centuries, especially in France. The Pernod Fils distillery, established in 1797 in Couvet, Switzerland, became famous for producing the drink. By the mid-1800s, French soldiers were given absinthe as a preventive measure against malaria, and they brought their taste for the drink back to France, where it quickly became popular among all social classes.

However, the drink’s high alcohol content and association with bohemian culture led to its downfall. By the early 20th century, absinthe was blamed for various social issues, including violence and madness, and was banned in several countries. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that absinthe began to make a comeback, with many countries lifting their bans and allowing the production of absinthe with regulated levels of thujone, the compound once thought to cause hallucinations.

Celebrating National Absinthe Day can be a fun and enlightening experience. Here are some ways to indulge in the mystique of this legendary spirit:

• Enjoy the Ritual of Absinthe: Experience absinthe the traditional way. Place a sugar cube on a specially designed spoon with holes, set it over a glass filled with absinthe, and slowly drip ice-cold water over the cube. Watch as the green liquid turns milky in a mesmerizing louche, releasing the drink’s complex aromas. Remember, absinthe is very strong, so sip it slowly and enjoy the ritual.
• Learn About Absinthe’s Artistic Legacy: Absinthe was a favorite among many famous artists and writers in the late 19th century. Dive into the world of Vincent Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Édouard Manet, who were known to indulge in absinthe and often referenced it in their work. Discover how this “green muse” influenced the art and literature of the era.
• Mix Up Absinthe Cocktails: If the traditional preparation of absinthe is a bit too intense, try it in a cocktail. There are plenty of creative and delicious drinks that feature absinthe, such as:
  • Death in the Afternoon: Absinthe, champagne, and simple syrup.
  • Sazerac Cocktail: Cognac, rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar cube, and bitters.
  • Fairy Godmother: Absinthe, elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon, and lime.
  • Corpse Reviver No. 2: Gin, orange liqueur, sweet white vermouth, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe.
• Unleash Your Creativity: Pay homage to the creative spirit of absinthe by diving into your own artistic pursuits. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing music, or any other creative activity, let the inspiration flow. The result doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s the process and the exploration of creativity that counts.

While absinthe has a captivating history and can be enjoyed as part of a fascinating ritual, it’s important to consume it responsibly. Its high alcohol content means it should be sipped and savored, not guzzled. National Absinthe Day is about celebrating the mystique and legacy of this unique spirit, so enjoy it in a way that is both safe and enjoyable.

So, on March 5th, let The Green Fairy whisper her secrets to you—just remember to listen responsibly. Cheers to National Absinthe Day! ??

Here are 20 interesting facts about absinthe:

1. The Green Fairy: Absinthe is often called “The Green Fairy” (La Fée Verte in French) due to its green color and the myth that it could cause hallucinations and creative inspiration.
2. Origins in Switzerland: Absinthe originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century. It was initially created as a medicinal remedy by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Switzerland.
3. High Alcohol Content: Absinthe is known for its high alcohol content, typically ranging from 45% to 74% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it much stronger than most other spirits.
4. Wormwood: One of the primary ingredients in absinthe is wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), which contains the compound thujone. Thujone was once thought to cause hallucinations, though this has been largely debunked.
5. Not a Hallucinogen: Despite its reputation, absinthe does not cause hallucinations. The myth arose from the drink’s high alcohol content and the bohemian culture that surrounded its use.
6. The Louche Effect: When water is added to absinthe, it turns from a clear green to a cloudy, milky color. This effect, known as the “louche,” occurs because the anise and fennel oils in absinthe are not soluble in water.
7. Absinthe Ritual: The traditional method of serving absinthe involves placing a sugar cube on a slotted spoon over a glass of absinthe, then slowly dripping ice-cold water over the sugar until it dissolves and the drink louches.
8. Anise Flavor: Absinthe has a strong anise (black licorice) flavor, which comes from the anise and fennel used in its production. This distinctive taste is a hallmark of the spirit.
9. Cultural Icon: Absinthe was famously popular among artists, writers, and poets in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway.
10. Absinthe Ban: Due to its high alcohol content and alleged psychoactive effects, absinthe was banned in many countries in the early 1900s, including the United States and most of Europe.
11. Revival: Absinthe made a comeback in the late 20th and early 21st centuries after research debunked many myths about its dangers. It is now legal in many countries with regulated thujone levels.
12. Legal Thujone Levels: In most countries where absinthe is legal, it must contain less than 35 mg/kg of thujone, a level deemed safe and non-psychoactive.
13. Variations in Color: While absinthe is traditionally green, due to the chlorophyll from the herbs, there are also clear versions called “blanche” or “la bleue” absinthe.
14. Medicinal Origins: Absinthe was originally created as a medicinal tonic, believed to cure various ailments including digestive issues and fever.
15. First Absinthe Distillery: The first commercial absinthe distillery was established in Couvet, Switzerland, in 1797 by Henri-Louis Pernod, whose name remains associated with the spirit today.
16. Art and Absinthe: Absinthe played a significant role in the art and literature of the Belle Époque period in Paris. It was depicted in works by artists like Édouard Manet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pablo Picasso.
17. Absinthe and Van Gogh: A popular myth suggests that Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear under the influence of absinthe. While there’s no direct evidence to support this, van Gogh was known to be a fan of the drink.
18. Absinthe in Cocktails: Absinthe is used in several classic cocktails, including the Sazerac and Death in the Afternoon, the latter created by Ernest Hemingway.
19. Unusual Production Method: Absinthe is made by infusing alcohol with a blend of botanicals, including wormwood, anise, and fennel, then redistilling the mixture. The green color comes from a secondary maceration of herbs, not from artificial coloring.
20. Absinthe Fountains: In the traditional preparation ritual, absinthe fountains are often used to drip water slowly over the sugar cube. These ornate fountains add a touch of elegance to the absinthe experience and control the dilution process.

Absinthe’s rich history, cultural significance, and unique preparation make it one of the most fascinating spirits in the world.