About which there are many legends. In some of them it is considered a poison, and the ability to cause hallucinations is attributed to it. In other legends, the drink appears as something unusual, with a unique taste.

Invention of absinthe

Wormwood tinctures were used back in Ancient Egypt. At that time they were used as a medicine. Moreover, they were not available to every person.

In Ancient Greece, wormwood tinctures were also used. Hippocrates recommended their use for jaundice, anemia and rheumatism.

But the ancient wormwood tinctures were still far from the drink that is now called absinthe. There are several versions about his invention. According to one of them, the drink was invented by the Enrio sisters at the end of the 18th century. They gave the tincture the name “Bon Extrait d’Absinthe”. Its use helped cure many diseases.

But there is another version of the invention of this drink. According to it, at the end of the 18th century it was developed by the French physician Pierre Ordiner. At that time he lived and worked in Switzerland, in a small village called Cove. The doctor used the tincture he invented to treat his patients. But there is an opinion that Ordiner did not come up with anything new, but used the recipe of the Enrio sisters. He managed to popularize the drink, so the invention of absinthe became associated with his name.

The tincture has become widespread. It was sold in small bottles. The label depicted a girl with seductive curves standing in a frivolous pose. The drink was called "La Fee Verte", which translates as "The Green Fairy".

Start of absinthe production

A few years later, entrepreneur Henri Dubier bought a recipe for absinthe. He and his friend Henri-Louis Pernot established the world's first industrial production of the drink. Their small factory was opened in Switzerland.

The drink was popular and sold in large quantities. Therefore, seven years later, friends opened a second plant in Pontarlier, France. Over time, this enterprise became the main center for the production of absinthe. The plant was named Pernod. The drink began to be produced in large quantities. Its sales went all over the world. By the way, this alcoholic drink is still produced under the Pernod brand.

The rise of absinthe

But the real popularity of the drink came during military operations in northern Africa. A huge number of soldiers were drawn into the colonial wars launched by France. Military personnel were exposed to African diseases. It turned out that green absinthe coped well with them. It helped overcome illnesses and was used for prevention.

In addition, it turned out that absinthe is an excellent means of getting rid of amoebas and microbes contained in dirty water. Thanks to this, French soldiers avoided intestinal disorders. We can say that absinthe helped them capture African territories. After this he became very popular in France. The soldiers, having returned to their homeland, began to order their favorite drink from the cafe.

In the middle of the 19th century in Paris the question no longer arose: “What is absinthe?” After all, it has become a common drink. It was completely normal to drink absinthe at home before dinner as an aperitif or in the evening to shake off the burden of the day. The period from 17 to 19 hours even began to be called the “green hour”. At this time, it was supposed to drink a portion of the emerald drink and relax.

At the end of the 19th century, the popularity of absinthe reached its apogee. It began to be consumed as often as wine. And already at the beginning of the 20th century in France, absinthe surpassed it in popularity. They drank 6 times more green drink than wine.

Then absinthe got a bad reputation. They began to call it a drink that drives you crazy and plunges you into alcoholism. This is quite natural. After all, any substance can harm the body if consumed in excessive quantities. Therefore, cases of schizophrenia began to occur in those who drank absinthe uncontrollably.

The effects of absinthe on the body

Indeed, the green drink produces a strange effect that was so valued by writers and artists of the past. The explanation for this effect on the body is that absinthe is a tincture of wormwood. And this plant contains thujone. This substance has medicinal properties in small quantities, but becomes poisonous in large quantities. Absinthe preparation technology reduces the harmful effects of thujone. It is worth noting that this substance is found not only in wormwood. It is also present in sage, tansy, and thuja.

Absinthe is an alcoholic drink, but the state that its consumption causes is slightly different from ordinary intoxication. It gives great lightness, cheerfulness, euphoria.

Absinthe is banned

Over time, this drink gained a foothold. The reason for this was the manufacturers who added nickel and antimony to it. These substances gave the drink a shimmering color and opalescent hue, which were considered fashionable at the time.

Alcoholics drinking absinthe in unbridled quantities also contributed to the deterioration of its reputation. Inappropriate behavior caused by drinking the tincture was attributed to the effects of wormwood, forgetting that the composition also included 70% alcohol. They began to blame absinthe for all the madness, not taking into account that any alcohol causes such an effect.

The first country to ban the use of the “cursed potion” was Belgium. This happened at the beginning of the 20th century. It was then banned in a number of other countries, including France.

For a long time, the production, sale and consumption of absinthe was not allowed. It wasn't until 2004 that the laws prohibiting the drink were repealed. But modern manufacturers are obliged to comply with standards for the content of thujone in absinthe. The amount of this substance should not exceed 10 mg/kg. This is ten times lower than in the “cursed potion” of the 19th century.

Drinking culture

Absinthe is a drink that has a strong bitterness and high strength. It contains approximately 70-80% alcohol. Some individuals believe that absinthe is a liqueur. They are wrong. There is only one answer to the question “is absinthe a liqueur or a liqueur?” It's completely obvious. Absinthe - wormwood tincture.

It is not customary to use it in its pure form. There are several options

According to one of them, to prepare a portion of the drink you will need a narrow and tall glass. It needs to be filled with wormwood tincture by 1/5. A special spoon for absinthe is placed on top of the edges of the glass. It looks like a miniature spatula with shaped holes. Lump sugar is placed on top of it. Cold water is poured through it in a thin stream. You can use regular mineral water. Water should be poured to the edge of the glass. Ideally, the sugar should have time to dissolve during this process. A glass of prepared absinthe is drunk in one gulp.

The Czech method involves the reverse sequence in preparing the drink. So, first, cold water is poured into a glass. Then an absinthe spoon with a piece of sugar on top is placed on its edges. Through it, wormwood tincture is poured drop by drop.

There is a third way to prepare the drink. Absinthe is poured into a glass. A piece of sugar is moistened in it. It is placed on a spoon and set on fire. Melting, the sugar flows into the glass. Finally, cold water is added. If desired, it can be replaced with citrus juice.

Absinthe from the store

Today, quite a few brands of absinthe are produced. It's not easy to understand them. It is recommended to avoid absinthe with an alcohol content of less than 70%. After all, it is precisely this percentage that prevents essential oils from disintegrating. Dyes are usually added to wormwood tincture with an alcohol content of 45%. Thus, a good absinthe is one that contains at least 70% alcohol.

There are emerald drinks in bottles whose labels say “thujone-free”. This indicates that there is no thujone in the composition. Therefore, this is not a tincture of wormwood, but an imitation. Such drinks consist of dyes, sweeteners, and flavorings that create the illusion of absinthe.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the thujone content. Its recommended amount is 10 mg/kg. However, in some stores you can find absinthe that exceeds this standard. Such drinks should be consumed with caution, no more than two glasses per evening.

Classification of absinthe by color

The classic color of the drink is green. Such absinthe is present in the product line of every manufacturer. Its shades can vary from light green to emerald.

Amber-colored absinthe has a mild taste. It is considered an elite drink because it is double purified during the production process.

Ruby-colored absinthe - wormwood tincture with pomegranate extract. It has an original aftertaste.

Absinthe also comes in a dark brown color. In the process of preparing this drink, wormwood roots are used, not leaves. Black acacia infusion is also added to it. The taste of this drink contains sweet tones.

Classification of absinthe by strength

Absinthe is very This is explained by the fact that the high concentration of alcohol keeps essential oils in dissolved form.

Absinthe is produced with a strength of 55 - 65%. This drink contains very low thujone content. It happens that he is not included in the composition at all. The indicated strength refers to French, Czech, and Spanish varieties of absinthe. When preparing the drink, wormwood extract is usually used.

Preparing absinthe

You can not only buy the drink in the supermarket, but also prepare it yourself. It's pretty simple.

To make absinthe you need a distiller, alcohol and fresh wormwood. These are the main components. The process has several options.

According to Odinier-Pernod's recipe, in addition to wormwood, fennel and anise are also used. The herbs are soaked in alcohol and left for 7-10 days. Then everything is boiled in a distiller. The resulting alcohol with herbal infusion can be flavored. This is achieved by adding mint essence or other herbs. Finally, the drink is filtered and bottled.

According to a recipe from 1855, to obtain 1 liter of absinthe you will need:

• wormwood leaves - 25 g;
• anise seeds - 50 g;
• fennel seeds - 50 g;
• alcohol 85% - 950 ml.

Leaves and seeds are soaked in alcohol and left for at least 7 days. Then 450 ml of water is added to them. The resulting mixture is distilled through a distiller. This must be done until there is nothing left in the flask except herbs and seeds. The amount of distillate at the outlet is 950 ml. It needs to be filtered through a napkin. The drink is ready.

Benefits of absinthe

Drinking tincture in small quantities has a beneficial effect on the functioning of our body. After all, what is absinthe? This is a drink made with medicinal herbs.

Its use helps to relax, relieves heat and inflammation, dilates blood vessels, improves appetite. Absinthe can be used as a disinfectant, antispasmodic, and anticonvulsant. Its use helps in the prevention of viral diseases.

Absinthe harm

Drinking this drink in moderation is not harmful to health. However, excessive passion for it can have dire consequences. Absinthe contains thujone, a toxic substance. When it enters the human body in quantities exceeding the norm, general excitement occurs and consciousness changes. It is even possible to experience hallucinations. But in tinctures produced by well-known manufacturers, the amount of thujone is strictly controlled.

In addition, do not forget that absinthe is an alcoholic drink. Excessive use of it can result in a banal hangover.

Myths about absinthe

There are many myths about the mysterious drink. Here are some of them.

• Absinthe is produced only in green color. This statement is misleading. Emerald green absinthe is a classic version of the drink. But yellow, red, and brown varieties are also produced.
• Drinking absinthe destroys brain cells. The effect of wormwood tincture on the brain is equivalent to the effect of any other strong alcohol.
• Drinking absinthe causes hallucinations. This statement is associated with thujone, which is part of the drink. Indeed, in large quantities this substance causes hallucinations. But in modern absinthe its content is controlled by European standards. If they are followed, the appearance of a hallucinogenic effect is impossible. However, moderation should be observed in the use of absinthe, like any other alcoholic drink.

Absinthe is a strong alcoholic drink made from wormwood extract. It was known back in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, where it was used as a cure for all diseases. And the modern history of emerald tincture began in 1792, when Dr. Pierre Ordinier wrote down his recipe in order to create a miracle cure for all diseases. Gradually, this drink moved to bars, finding its fans there. And in 1797, the production of this alcoholic drink under the Green Fairy brand was already established.

Despite its truly “killer” strength, absinthe enjoyed increased popularity among the female population. Experts said that such love was caused by the specific taste of the drink, similar to menthol cigarettes. But the sad statistics of that time said that in France in the 19th century the number of girls and women aged 18-20 years with cirrhosis of the liver increased sharply. They were all lovers of the “green fairy”.

The history of absinthe consumption is shrouded in dark and mysterious incidents. For example, in the USA, a man shot his entire family under the influence of this alcoholic drink. This, unfortunately, is not the only crime that was committed after drinking absinthe. For this reason, it is banned in some countries around the world. Previously, emerald tincture was considered a drink for creative bohemia. It was used by many famous artists, poets, writers, and other creative people who were looking for their inspiration. This includes Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, and other celebrities. They created numerous works on the topic of drinking absinthe. Therefore, this drink even began to be called “the third eye of the poet.”

It was believed that this emerald tincture has witchcraft powers that can destroy or renew the past, even predict the future. Ladies adored her for her taste. And for men, the drink could ignite the ardor of love and provide great refreshment on a hot day. The drink quickly became popular because it had a different effect than the drunkenness of wine due to thujone, a powerful poison and hallucinogen. Each person reacts differently to absinthe. Some laugh, others feel incredibly relaxed, and others become aggressive.

What is absinthe?

Sometimes you can hear the opinion that absinthe is a bitter green tincture of wormwood or simply wormwood vodka. However, it is not. In addition to wormwood, the composition also includes chamomile, lemon balm, fennel, anise, and a number of other herbs. This alcoholic drink also varies in color. Classic absinthe has a beautiful emerald color. But red absinthe is also produced with the addition of pomegranate extract. Black or brown is made from wormwood roots. There are blue, yellow and transparent specimens.

The name “absinthe” itself, according to one version, comes from the French word for wormwood, and according to another version, from the ancient Greek “apsinthion”, which means “undrinkable”, since the drink has a bitter taste.

There are several varieties of this tincture of different colors, the strength of which varies from 55 to 85 degrees.

• Classic option. It has a strength of 70-85%, produced in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and rarely in France. It is in this category that all classic absinthes made using traditional technology are included.
• The most common. The most common is absinthe of a beautiful emerald color with a strength of 70 degrees.
• With reduced alcohol content. These are most often French, some Czech, Spanish specimens with a minimum thujone content, 55-65% strength.

Absinthe is considered the strongest alcoholic drink in the world, with the exception of pure alcohol. Its narcotic effects are well known. Wormwood essential oil contains a special substance called monoterpine (thujone), which in large doses causes hallucinations.

Rules for using absinthe of various strengths

Depending on the strength, there are some differences in the culture of drinking this drink. The method of consumption is chosen to achieve two goals: to remove excess bitterness and reduce strength.

There are several specific rules for use:

1. Keep it in moderation. The strength of wormwood tincture is very high, so even a small amount of it can cause severe intoxication. It should be consumed carefully, no more than 30 grams at a time and no more than a couple of glasses per evening.
2. Drink from the correct container. Special utensils are required: a glass and a spoon with holes in it. They usually come with a drink. The glass is quite unique, with a bottom that looks like an onion and a neck that widens upward. It is designed for 30 ml of drink. You need a special spoon, flat, perforated around the edges.
3. Dilute. Whether to dilute the drink or not depends on how many degrees there are in the absinthe. Classic wormwood tincture is consumed by diluting with three parts of water. Sometimes it is mixed with citrus fruit juice to kill the bitterness. Absinthe at 55 degrees does not need to be diluted and sugar is not used for cooking. At its core, it is already a ready-to-use mixture. There is one thing. Experts say that from such a parody it is impossible to achieve the effect that the real “Green Fairy” gives.

We drink like in the Czech Republic

Place a holey spoon on an empty glass, add a lump of sugar and pour in absinthe. Then the sugar is set on fire, and the resulting caramel is poured into a glass. Or heat a spoon, add a piece of sugar and slowly pour in absinthe.

Extravagant Russian way

In the Russian version, sugar syrup is prepared, as for jam, and mixed with absinthe. You can’t wash down an emerald drink with anything. Otherwise, its aftertaste is lost, all the uniqueness of the drink disappears, its mysticism and magic dissipates.

Traditional way

Pour absinthe into a glass, place a spoon with a piece of sugar on top and pour water over it. When water is poured onto sugar, the tincture becomes cloudy and white with a yellowish-green tint. Drink it slowly, in small sips.

Conclusion

It should be noted that the mystical green fairy, who, according to the French, sat in absinthe and deprived of reason, does not forgive an irresponsible attitude towards herself. Drinking absinthe can cause hallucinations and can lead to poisoning. After all, if you drink a lot of such a strong drink, then the body will quickly become intoxicated and the heart may not be able to stand it. That is why the legendary drink with a mystical history and emerald color is drunk slowly, no more than 100 grams throughout the day.

Absinthe is tempting, but harmful and strong. But for how long? What percentage of pure alcohol does it contain? And is it only in the high alcohol content that all the harm of absinthe lies? You can't tell right off the bat.

Let's start with the fact that, despite an almost standard set of components that could well serve as a panacea for all diseases (which was immediately implied), absinthe is harmful to health. The list of ingredients invariably included in it is presented in the form of wormwood, anise, fennel, calamus, mint, lemon balm, licorice, angelica, white ash, coriander, speedwell, chamomile, parsley and hyssop. In part, they set the tone for the drink, forming many types that are classified according to different parameters.

How to choose a decent absinthe?

• Highly hallucinogenic: the thujone content here ranges from 25 to 100 mg per liter of drink. This alcohol is produced in Switzerland (“Swiss La Bleue”), the Czech Republic (“King of Spirits”, “Logan 100”, etc.
• Low hallucinogenic: the thujone content here ranges from 1.5 to 10 mg per liter of drink. Almost all countries in Europe produce such alcohol.
• Non-hallucinogenic: it does not contain thujone. These are the Swiss “Logan Fils”, the French “Absente” (France) and a number of tinctures imitating the product.

According to the color scheme, absinthe can be:

• Green (in all its manifestations). Color comes from the chlorophyll of green plants, although much more often from dyes. However, this is a classic.
• Yellow (all shades from amber to lemon). Natural absinthe can also be yellowish, but in most cases the color comes from food coloring.
• Red (all shades of ruby). The composition contains pomegranate extract. But in most cases the color comes from food coloring.
• Black or brown. The composition includes wormwood roots instead of its greens and a certain percentage of black acacia infusion Catechu, which makes the drink berry-like and sweet, and also gives it color. But most often, food color is used.

In addition, this alcohol may be blue, or have no color at all. But let’s finally move on to the main point for which we started writing this article – alcohol.

• Very strong. It contains from 55 to 65% pure alcohol. These varieties usually contain a low percentage of thujone, and sometimes none at all. They are produced mainly by France, the Czech Republic, and Spain.
• Extremely strong. It contains from 70 to 85% pure alcohol. For the most part these are natural absinthes. They are produced mainly by Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Germany, and partly France.

Now, knowing everything about the ins and outs of absinthe, you can choose the one you want for yourself. But do not forget that, firstly, you should not get too carried away with absinthe (even if it is without thujone - remember its strength), and secondly, among other things, you still need to be able to drink it correctly. It’s not for nothing that the Greeks translate its name as “not drunk.”

Absinthe first appeared at the end of the 18th century in the canton of Neuchâtel, located in Switzerland. It gained popularity at the end of the 19th century. in France, especially among Parisian artists and writers. Partly due to association with bohemian culture. .

How to choose a decent absinthe?

It all depends on what you want, traditional taste or new wave taste sensations. Let's learn some tips from famous tasters and alcohol collectors:

1. Price is not always an indicator of quality. Some of the popular brands charge high prices using marketing gimmicks claiming that drinkers will have an intoxicating experience. Although this is not at all true.
2. Don't buy a big bottle right away. It is enough to buy an inexpensive sample at a lower price.
3. Look for a product that has been distilled with real herbs, rather than an “oil mixture” made by dissolving flavorings in alcohol. This method has been used by some manufacturers before.
4. Avoid brands that place mugwort leaves in the bottle as this results in a bitter taste.
5. Store absinthe out of sunlight and do not put it in the freezer as the flavor oils will harden and may not return to their original state when heated.
6. The strength must be at least 70° or higher. Otherwise, the concentration of essential substances will be less.
7. The amount of thujone is indicated on the label. Many manufacturers produce absinthe without this ingredient.
8. A quality product will have a clean and “crisp” taste, reminiscent of a refreshing alpine-type bitterness, rather than a toxic, bitter taste.

Classification of absinthe by alcohol content

A high concentration of alcohol can retain essential substances.

• Regular strength (55%-65%). Corresponds to French, Czech, Spanish varieties containing or without wormwood extract, thujone.
• Extreme strength (70%-85%): Swiss, Czech, Spanish, Italian, German, and some French varieties.
• Green Fairy level fortress (over 80%)- high alcohol content. Therefore, you should not get carried away with it. Moreover, thujone can cause severe poisoning.

Classification of absinthe according to the content of harmful thujone

At the beginning of the 20th century. Absinthe was banned in the United States and much of Europe as a dangerous hallucinogenic, psychotropic drug that was highly addictive. Thujone, which is part of the chemical composition of the drink, was accused of having a detrimental effect on the body. Recent studies have shown that the psychotropic properties of absinthe (in addition to alcohol) have been greatly exaggerated.

The main question that should interest the consumer is the amount of thujone contained in the drink. As a result of the sublimation of wormwood, an oily substance is obtained, 100 g of which contains 400 mg of thujone. This is a high percentage. According to the standards established in Europe, there should be 10 mg per 100 g of original essence (or liter of alcohol). thujone. Absinthe with a high concentration of thujone is produced in Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Swiss brands of the drink contain about 70 mg/kg of product, Czech brands 100 mg/kg. The next most potent absinthes are Spanish and German, which contain 30 mg/kg. Brands without thujone are also available.

Compared to absinthe of the last century, the drink currently produced commercially contains a small amount of thujone. It's quite safe.

Classification of absinthe by color

The classic version is emerald green, but it can also be of other colors. Because of the color, the product is called “Green Witch” or “Green Fairy”. The main color shades include:

1. Green is the original color and has many shades. Produced by most manufacturers.
2. Yellow - bright amber. Artificial dyes are often used for coloring. However, it can also be natural, because as a result of prolonged storage, chlorophyll loses its properties and the drink becomes yellow (aging occurs).
3. Red - pomegranate extract is used for preparation, giving a juicy light ruby ​​hue + a piquant aftertaste. An alternative coloring is hibiscus flowers.
4. Brown (black)- wormwood roots are added to this absinthe. The drink gets its dark, deep tones from the infusion of acacia Catechu, which adds berry and sweetish tones.

Unfortunately, you cannot judge the quality or naturalness of a product by color.

What is included in absinthe?

Traditionally, absinthe is made from alcohol, various herbs, spices and water. Initially, French brands were made from white grape spirit or colorless fruit brandy. The main flavoring agents, often called the “holy trinity,” are wormwood extract, the essential oils of which contain a lot of thujone + green anise + sweet fennel. Other herbs can be added to the triple base, such as Roman wormwood, hyssop, lemon balm, angelica root (angelica), peppermint, licorice, as well as spices: coriander, nutmeg, speedwell, etc. The quality of the finished product depends on the quality of the herb, which varies depending on soil type, climate and growing and harvesting techniques.

Features and properties of the drink

Artificially colored types of absinthe retain their color very stably. They do not require special storage. The naturally colored drink requires careful monitoring because the chlorophyll it contains is extremely unstable. When exposed to light, these absinthes gradually change color, moving from green to yellow and eventually to amber. This explains why old bottles of absinthe may vary in color. Despite proof of age, such color changes are unpopular with modern consumers. Therefore, natural absinthes are sold in opaque bottles. Adding water causes absinthe to become cloudy, as the essential oils of fennel and anise create an emulsion when diluted.

Brands and types of absinthe

Most alcoholic beverages have rules governing their classification and labeling. However, absinthe does not have a strict classification. According to popular treatises of the 19th century, it was conventionally divided into several varieties in order of increasing alcohol content and quality. Modern absinthe critics classify the product as distilled or obtained by mixing.

1. “Blanche”, or “la Bleue” (Switzerland) - bottled directly after distillation. Does not stain - transparent.

2. “Verte” (“green” in French) absinthe begins to be made as a blanche. At the coloring stage, it is immersed in a transparent distillate. This gives the peridot stone its green hue and intense aroma. "Verte" is the predominant type of absinthe that was found in the 19th century. Artificially colored green absinthes are not "Verte".

3. "Absenta" ("absinthe" in Spanish) is sometimes associated with a regional style that differs from its French cousin. It is distinguished by its inherent citrus aroma.

4. "Hausgemacht" (German homemade, often abbreviated as "HG") refers to underground absinthe (not to be confused with the Swiss brand "La Clandestine"). Produced in small portions. After absinthe was banned, the production of clandestine products increased significantly. After the Swiss ban was lifted, some underground distillers never went into business legally.

5. Czech style absinthe (sometimes referred to as Abkhazian). Produced in the Czech Republic. Although the drink recipes are not always Czech. The Czechs are credited with inventing the fire ritual, which is a modern invention and has no relation to historical traditions.

Self-production of the drink

There are various ways to obtain absinthe:

1. The production method is distillation. Traditional absinthe is produced by maceration followed by distillation, with herbs and spices. The maceration stage is carried out in a vat, where 85% alcohol + a mixture of plants is infused for several days. During this phase, the spirit acquires a subtle green hue and aromatic flavors. At the end of the stage, the liquid is filtered and reduced with water before being placed into an emulsion to be distilled.
2. Mixing. As with some gins, this method results in a drink of lower quality than those produced using the traditional distillation process. It consists of mixing alcohol with flavorings. The process consists of 4 components: mixing, aging, filtration and bottling.

Modern bohemian-style absinthe contains little extract of wormwood, anise, and fennel. Therefore, the similarity with absinthes, popular in the 19th century, is conditional. There are only two similarities with traditional analogs: it contains wormwood and a high percentage of alcohol.

This type of alcohol is called the “bohemian drink,” but not only people of creative professions love it. Many are attracted by the unusual color, original taste, and rich aroma. However, there is an opinion that such alcohol is, in fact, a poisonous potion. How to drink absinthe at home to enjoy the effect and not harm your health?

Absinthe: mysterious and dangerous

This drink has been known for a long time, which does not prevent it from remaining one of the most mysterious. Absinthe is a type of strong alcohol based on herbs. A specific bitterness is a characteristic feature of the drink and a consequence of the addition of wormwood. The French word absinthe refers to the name of this bitter plant. The composition of absinthe is also enriched with mint and anise, coriander and parsley, chamomile and other herbs.

Mixing spicy plant aromas creates the unique aroma of absinthe - distinctly tart and thick. This quality of the drink, as well as its amazing color shades, is a little alarming, as if warning of danger. Therefore, there is another translation of the name: the Greek word apsinthion means “not fit for drinking.” However, it is precisely a certain amount of threat that makes absinthe so attractive.

The history of the creation of absinthe is controversial. The most common version is that the recipe was invented by the Enrio sisters, who lived in Switzerland at the end of the 18th century and were engaged in the production of medicinal potions. This elixir was actively used by the doctor Pierre Ordiner, prescribing it for the treatment of almost all diseases (jaundice, radiculitis and many others). Soon the drink began to be produced industrially. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Pernod factory was opened in France - and today this brand is popular.

From an elixir for treatment, absinthe turned into a drink for entertainment. He gained great popularity among creative people and earned the poetic names “green fairy” and “green muse.” At the same time, evidence has emerged that the delicacy causes hallucinations, and its regular use can be fatal. The culprit of such consequences is the substance thujone, which is part of wormwood.

In order to prevent the negative impact of the “green fairy” on the body, the drink must be of high quality and consumed in small doses. You can buy absinthe today in many stores. You should choose products from reliable manufacturers and avoid unknown brands.

The classic color of the wormwood drink is green. There are types with a bright yellow color, which indicates the aging of absinthe. The red drink has a piquant taste with the addition of pomegranate extract. Sweet berry notes are characteristic of black absinthe, which is made from the roots of wormwood and black acacia betel.

How many degrees does absinthe have? Strength comes in the following categories:

• large (55-65%);
• extremely large (70-85%).

How to drink absinthe at home?

Over the many years of popularity of this drink, many ways to consume it have been invented. Undiluted absinthe is a classic aperitif designed to whet the appetite. It is offered before meals in the amount of 30 g. To reduce bitterness, the drink can be diluted: 1 part absinthe - 3 parts water, soda or tonic.

Other popular options describing how to drink absinthe correctly at home are:

• "Czech". Place a special spoon with holes on top of a wide absinthe glass and place a sugar cube. Pour alcohol into the refined sugar in large drops. Once the drink is in the glass, set the sugar on fire and very carefully pour the resulting caramel over the alcohol. Add water (3 times more absinthe);
• "Crystal Czech" Pour alcohol into a thick glass glass (no more than 1/3 of the volume). Light it and leave for a few seconds. Stew and consume immediately;
• "French". For 1 part absinthe you will need 3 parts very cold water. Pour alcohol into a glass, on the edge of which place an absinthe spoon with a piece of sugar. Pour water over the refined sugar in a thin stream so that it dissolves and mixes with absinthe;
• "citrus". Sprinkle a slice of orange with peel generously with sugar and cinnamon. Pour 50 g of absinthe into a glass and set it on fire. Hold the orange over the flame with special tweezers, pressing slightly until the juice drips from the fruit. Cover the top with another glass, turned upside down, to remove the heat. The remaining orange can be used as a snack.

When deciding how to drink absinthe at home, you can rely on your own taste preferences. Any fruit juices help reduce bitterness and reduce strength - pineapple and pomegranate are most often used. Some people like to dilute their alcohol with carbonated drinks such as Coca-Cola.

Fans of Ernest Hemingway may be interested in the method of drinking absinthe named after him:

1. Pour one finger of alcohol into an iron mug.
2. Add very cold water, filling the mug 2/3 full.
3. Stir and drink in small sips.