How To Drink Absinthe

  • August 27, 2009
  • 7,193 Views

Seaworthy from Seaworthy (and 2 others)

Howcast Original
Please install Flash

Savor the potent spirit – up to 140 proof! – that is once again being sold in the U.S. after a nearly century-long ban.

You Will Need

  • Absinthe
  • A jigger
  • A parfait glass
  • A slotted spoon
  • A sugar cube
  • Ice-cold spring water
  • A lighter or match (optional)
How To Drink Absinthe: Step 1

Step 1

Pour an ounce or two of absinthe into a tall, heavy, thick-stemmed glass, like a parfait glass.

How To Drink Absinthe: Step 2

Step 2

Place an absinthe spoon – a flat, metal, slotted spoon – across the rim of the glass.

How To Drink Absinthe: Step 3

Step 3

Put a sugar cube on the slots of the spoon.

How To Drink Absinthe: Step 4

Step 4

Slowly drip three to six ounces of cold spring water over the sugar cube until the sugar is dissolved. The absinthe will turn from transparent green to a cloudy green or yellow.

Some people dip the sugar cube in absinthe and set the cube on fire before dousing it with ice water.

How To Drink Absinthe: Step 5

Step 5

Stir with the slotted spoon and enjoy.

Governments around the world banned absinthe in the early 20th century because it was thought to cause madness.

Something wrong?

Report This How-To

Cancel

Comments (3)

fdarkness

Regarding the ";tip"; above: Please don't go around telling people to light the sugar cube on fire. That method is an abomination that started in the Czech Republic in the 1990s and has no place in the rich history of this fine spirit. It serves only to ruin the flavor with the taste of burnt caramelized sugar. You wouldn't burn a sugar cube into a glass of fine wine, would you? The traditional method method, used for over a century now, is the one outlined in the video. However the sugar itself is optional. And do yourself a favor and pour that bottle of Le Tourment Vert down the drain. That stuff is utter garbage that reeks of artificial coloring, flavoring and cheap ingredients that bears no resemblance to a real, quality Absinthe. If anything it is the mad dog 20/20 of Absinthes.

over 2 years ago by fdarkness

Reply
Nigel

And I thought wine drinkers were the snots...

over 2 years ago by Nigel

Reply
mmcgowan

";Proper"; absinthe drinkers get so offended when you start talking lighters! The video never told anyone to light the sugar on fire, it states ";some people dip the sugar cube in absinthe and set the cube on fire before dousing it with ice water";, which is true: some people do. And if I had an extra bottle of Le Tourment Vert in the cabinet I would still drink it, I wouldn't pour it down the drain. Sheesh. Great job on the video though.

over 2 years ago by mmcgowan

Reply

or to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends

Video is in Food & Drink (278 videos)

How To Make Ramen Noodles Healthier Easy Steps

How To Make Ramen Noodles Healthier

Now Playing (56 of 278): How To Drink Absinthe

How To Order Drinks Like a Bartender Easy Steps

How To Order Drinks Like a Bartender

How To Avoid Getting a Hangover Easy Steps

How To Avoid Getting a Hangover

open/close
© 2012 Howcast Media, Inc