Source: RHJ, AdobeStockAbsinthe's distinctive taste comes from bitter wormwood, and its strength ranges from 50% to 70%. It's hard to find another alcohol that has been romanticized more by great poets, writers, and artists. We'll tell you how and what to drink it with!
How to Drink Absinthe Properly
Drinking absinthe neat is only for those already familiar with this fiery spirit. In this case, the alcohol is poured into small shot glasses, pre-chilled to 1-2 degrees Celsius in the freezer, and drunk in one gulp.
For a milder method, you'll need sugar cubes and a special slotted spoon. If you don't have one, a regular fork will do. Place the spoon with a sugar cube over the shot glass and slowly pour absinthe over it, moistening the sugar.
Then, you need to ignite the sugar cube so that it melts and drips into the absinthe. There are two options from here: drink the beverage as is or dilute it with water first. If the absinthe itself catches fire during the process, don't worry: just cover the glass to cut off the oxygen supply.
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What to Pair with Absinthe
Absinthe is mostly consumed on its own, and no specific snacks are needed. But if you want to set up a snack table, consider these options!
1. Cheese
Aged, aromatic varieties, goat cheese, or blue cheeses are best. Their expressive flavor pairs well with the vibrant drink.
Source: AdobeStock2. Oysters and Seafood
The unique oiliness of oysters effectively mellows the burning sensation of absinthe. Snacks with shrimp, mussels, crab meat, and red caviar are also suitable.
3. Fruits
Classic choices include any citrus fruits to taste, from lemon to grapefruit. Tart green apple varieties, grapes, or sweet pears would also be appropriate.
Source: AdobeStock4. Pickled and Dried Vegetables
Fresh vegetables would be too neutral a snack for absinthe. But olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled gherkins, or mushrooms are exactly what you need!
5. Sweets
Almost any hard candies or chocolate go perfectly after a bitter and fiery drink. Both dark and milk chocolate are suitable. Sometimes, sugar cubes soaked in lemon juice are used as a snack with absinthe.
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What to Mix Absinthe With
Absinthe is most often used for complex, multi-ingredient cocktails, especially layered shots. These should be consumed in moderation because they are very strong. But there are also some more versatile options!
1. Water
The simplest and oldest method, invented by the French. Pour 30 ml of absinthe into a glass, place a spoon or fork with a sugar cube on top, and slowly pour water over the sugar. The finished drink is consumed in one gulp. You'll need about twice as much water as absinthe.
Source: AdobeStock2. Ice
For a more refreshing option, instead of plain water, use crushed ice for a frappé and mix it with absinthe in a shaker. You can also add a little apple juice or melon liqueur.
3. Juice
A milder and more original way to serve absinthe is to mix it with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in equal proportions. The drink leaves a pleasant warmth in the throat. Besides citrus, pineapple and apple juices are also excellent choices.
4. Sugar Syrup
If you don't want to melt sugar, just use ready-made syrup. It's added to almost all absinthe drinks to soften its bitterness.
Source: AdobeStock5. Soda and Carbonated Drinks
Plain soda water, mineral water, or carbonated drinks like Sprite and Coca-Cola can effectively make absinthe less harsh and significantly reduce its strength. But be aware that gas bubbles accelerate alcohol absorption!
6. Tonic
This recipe is for those who enjoy bitter cocktails and liqueurs. Simply mix absinthe with your favorite tonic in arbitrary proportions and add sugar or syrup as needed.
Source: AdobeStock7. Energy Drink
This maximally invigorating cocktail of absinthe and an energy drink is best avoided by those with blood pressure issues. Otherwise, it's a bold and original mix!
8. Milk and Cream
Quite unusual and extreme cocktails can be made with absinthe, milk or cream, and another type of strong alcohol – for example, bourbon.
Source: AdobeStock9. Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Those who aren't afraid of experiments can try an original cocktail with absinthe and sparkling wine. For flavor, also add a little lemon or lime juice or mint liqueur.
10. Other Alcohol
In many cocktails, absinthe is mixed with sambuca, tequila, wines, liqueurs – practically anything. Especially when it comes to layered cocktails, where the density of the liquids plays a key role in preventing them from mixing.
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