How To Cocktail Video: Absinthe

The mere mention of the name brings to mind images of scandalous French parties, post-Impressionist painters with missing ears and a swarm of green fairies.
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Absinthe. The mere mention of the name brings to mind images of scandalous French parties, post-Impressionist painters with missing ears and a swarm of green fairies. No wonder it was banned in America for most of the 20th century.

However, the truth -- spoiler alert -- is that absinthe is no more dangerous (or hallucinogenic) than any other kind of alcohol. And it's once again legal to buy the real stuff in the United States. Which is fortunate, since you need its intense, licorice-like flavor to make a range of classic cocktails, including the Sazerac and Corpse Reviver No. 2.

But to truly appreciate the wormwood spirit, you need to try it the old-fashioned way, mixed with just a little sugar and ice-cold water. In the short video below, talented bartender and Liquor.com advisory board member Simon Ford shows you how to use an absinthe fountain and shares a bit of this tasty elixir's controversial history.

It's time for you to pick up a bottle and try it yourself. Cheers!

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