Absinthe cocktails for summer parties

Absinthe, affectionately nicknamed ‘la fée verte’ (‘the green fairy’), is the stuff of legend – and the ruin of many a great artist. The spirit became the unofficial muse of the bohemian set in late 19th-century Paris, fuelling the imaginations (and addictions) of painters, poets and other creative sorts. Vincent van Gogh is said to have consumed it heavily in the years leading up to the infamous episode in which he cut off part of his ear. Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, the tormented poet-lovers, reportedly downed absinthe before their drunken quarrels turned violent. And Toulouse-Lautrec was rarely without his cane, which concealed a flask of absinthe for discreet sips. Even Oscar Wilde described the drink’s disorienting effect with characteristic flourish: “After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.” 

No wonder it was outlawed for so long: by the early 20^th century, it had been banned in many countries, and in France, that ban wasn’t lifted until 1988, when the thujone content – a compound found in wormwood – was given strict legal limits. Thankfully, today’s drinking habits tend to be more restrained and absinthe can now take its rightful place in your summer drinks cabinet as an unusual and aromatic alternative to the usual Pimm’s and gin fare. 

One modern-day producer is Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, which makes Absente, a carefully crafted blend of wormwood, green anise, balm, and other aromatic herbs. By using a blend of essences, the distillery ensures precise control over the thujone content, aligning with legal standards while delivering the characteristic flavour profile of traditional absinthe. Absente is available in different variations, including Absente 55°, a 55% ABV liqueur, and Grande Absente 69°, which offers a stronger, more intense experience. These products are designed to be enjoyed in the classic manner: diluted with cold water, often poured over a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon, resulting in the signature louche effect – a milky opalescence that occurs when water is added.  

Here are a couple more ways you could enjoy absinthe this summer… 

Absinthe frappée 

• 45 ml Absente 
• 15 ml simple syrup 
• 6 ml sparkling water  
• 8 mint leaves 
• 1 lemon wedge 

Add the absinthe and the syrup to sparkling water and stir. Finish with the mint leaves and a lemon wedge. (Recipe courtesy of bittersandbrew) 

Green Beast 

• 30 ml Absente 
• 30 ml lime juice 
• 30 ml simple syrup 
• 60 ml water infused with cucumber 

Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake, then pour. Garnish with a slice of cucumber. 

www.distilleries-provence.com 

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Lead photo credit : A refreshing cucumber and mint gin cocktail served in a glass with ice, garnished with a cucumber slice, Cocktail centered