Absinthe, maybe the most celebrated drink with a rich history and romantic connection to the cultural scenario of nineteenth century Europe was fondly known as the “Green Fairy”. Absinthe was additionally spelt as absenta by the Spanish. Absenta is a slight edition of French absinthe and is sweeter due to the utilisation of the herb Alicante anise and has a citrus flavor. Absinthe is likewise spelt as absinth, and absynthe.
Originally created by a French doctor Dr. Pierre Ordinaire as a digestive tonic to treat a variety of stomach ailments, absinthe became the most favored drink of Europe loved by both the aristocracy and commoners. Absinthe was primarily wine based but as a consequence of blight of 1850’s when the vineyards of Europe encountered great destruction absinthe drink suppliers were compelled to use grain alcohol in its development. The use of grain based alcohol made absinthe more affordable to the common public and the bohemian life style of nineteenth century Europe embraced it.
Absinthe or the “Green Fairy” as it was frequently known was the most popular drink of France. It was standard for Parisians to start their day having a glass of absinthe and conclude their day with the green hour or l’heure verte when more than one glass of absinthe was drunk. It had been widely considered to have aphrodisiac attributes and because of its unique effects was regarded as a narcotic. Many a great painters and writers ascribed their creative genius to the unique effects of absinthe the “Green Fairy”. The attractiveness of absinthe intersected the Atlantic and it first reached New Orleans during the 1880s. Absinthe soon started to be extremely popular in New Orleans and even women openly enjoyed it as it was then considered a lady-like drink. Most cafes of New Orleans served absinthe.
Absinthe primarily is an alcoholic drink made using extracts of many herbs like wormwood, anise, fennel, hyssop, angelica root, veronica, coriander, and plenty of other alpine herbs. The chief ingredients nonetheless are wormwood, anise and fennel. Wormwood consists of a chemical called thujone which is widely known as by far the most important component in absinthe. Thujone is a slight neurotoxin and is regarded as accountable for absinthe’s original effects. Thujone in increased concentrations is toxic and can cause hallucinations and other mental disorders. In mild doses, as it is contained in absinthe thujone behaves as a creative stimulant.
Absinthe is emerald green in coloring; this is one reason why it was also called as “The Green Fairy”, and very bitter to taste. Absinthin that’s contained in wormwood is mainly responsible for the bitter taste. Absinthe was traditional drunk using two complex rituals the original French ritual and the more contemporary Czech ritual. Both rituals recommended the usage of finely crafted absinthe glasses, absinthe spoons (slotted or perforated), absinthe fountains, sugar cubes, and ice cold water. The ritual involved pouring of absinthe in the distinct absinthe glass and positioning an absinthe spoon on the rim of the glass. A sugar cube was placed above the slotted or perforated spoon and cold water from an absinthe fountain was dripped above the sugar cube, as the sugar dissolved and fell in the glass by means of the perforations the emerald green fluid in the glass turned opaque. This is called the louche effect. The louche effect was caused as essential oils from a variety of herbs in absinthe precipitated. Even more water was added and the absinthe drink was dished up.
Due to the abuse of alcoholic drinks during the nineteenth century the anti alcohol movement gained momentum and absinthe was a straightforward target. Many unsubstantiated rumors and theories gained currency and absinthe was eventually banned by most European countries except Spain, the Czech lands and UK. At the start of this century several studies conducted by eminent scientists conclusively proved that absinthe doesn’t contain mind bending substances and hence the ban on absinthe was unjustified. Resulting to these bits of information a few European countries removed the ban and just as before legalized absinthe.
Absinthe remains to be banned in the United States and just a watered down version with very small thujone content is permissible in the United States. US citizens can however buy absinthe online from non-US producers and drink it, as possession and drinking of absinthe is not a criminal offense. US citizens can buy absinthe essence or absinthe kits on the internet and make their own absinthe in the home. Authentic absinthe essence is made using classic recipes as well as innovative technology.
Absinthekit.com is amongst the most trusted sites which offer high quality authentic absinthe essence, absinthe kits, and absinthe accessories. So, why wait, just order your absinthe essence and spend an incredible evening in the company of the “Green Fairy”.