The Making of Absinthe

Absinthe recipes abound in bartender's literature.Spanish formulation, herbs include: wormwood,
Whether you are looking to make aanise seeds, angelica root, and coriander. For the
palate-pleasing French absinthe or an astringentWinston La Fée Verte formulation, use
version of Spanish absinthe, here are some basicwormwood, anise, angelica root, peppermint leaf
rules -- as well as variations on the general theme.and hyssop. Other spices to add could include
Your first step is to procure what's known as athyme, cardamom, lemon balm, mint, nutmeg, and
“neutral spirit.” This can besage. Please note, however, that if you use a lot
vodka, grain alcohol, or wine. (Traditionally, wineof sage, star anise, wormwood or nutmeg, you
has been used in the most respected commercialmay toxify or partially toxify the absinthe. One of
formulations.) Make sure your base isn’tthe reasons why absinthe is banned or regulated
too concentrated or flavorful. Your next step isin so many countries is that certain preparations
to "macerate" the spirit with a prepared batch ofcontain a chemical called thujone, which can
herbs. In general, for every three quarters of adamage receptors in the central nervous system.
liter of spirit, add a third a cup of herbs. In the