Absinthe has developed quite a notorious reputation since its heydays in the 19th century. The mysterious green spirit was said to cause hallucinations and madness, making it a fascination for artists and writers. While much myth and legend surround absinthe’s supposed psychedelic effects, contemporary science has debunked many of these romanticized notions.
It remains true that absinthe makes for an ideal party drink – its aniseed flavor profile with slight bitterness pairs excellently with other ingredients like fruit juice or sugar. And the high alcohol content of up to 75% ABV means a little goes a long way in giving that perfect buzz. The striking emerald green also brings a distinct aesthetic flair.
Quality absinthe has seen a revival in recent decades with its cords being cut from scandal and taboo. A new generation is rediscovering absinthe cocktails and innovating their concoctions. This article will compile six of the best easy-to-make absinthe party drinks, each featuring a different famous absinthe brand so you can pick your flavor.
1. Absinthe King of Spirits Gold
If you’re looking for floral flavors, the Absinthe King Of Spirits Gold is an excellent introductory absinthe. Its Grande wormwood, green anise, and Florence fennel recipe results in a crisp, refreshing drink with hints of citrus and mint.
The Golden Rosé Spritzer perfectly complements the golden-hued alcohol Absinthe King of Spirits. Mix two parts of golden rosé wine with one part of Absinthe King and top with lemon-lime soda in a glass for a springtime bouquet. Garnish with a lime wedge for an Instagram-worthy presentation. The sweet, fruity wine balances the bitterness, while the soda gives an uplifting sparkle.
2. Absinth Beetle – Beetle Juice
The playfully named Absinth Beetle brand features a distillation of wormwood, which gives its absinthe a robust herbal quality. The Absinth Beetle makes for a classic base spirit if you prefer drinks on the drier side.
For the Beetle Juice cocktail, build in a highball glass filled with ice:
- 2 oz Absinth Beetle
- 3 oz orange juice
- 1 oz peach nectar
- Soda water to top
Garnish with an orange slice. The sweet, fruity juices temper the wormwood’s bitterness, while the soda water provides effervescence. Shake if you prefer a frothier texture.
3. Absinthe Original Bitter Spirit – Faux Fashioned
If you enjoy whiskey cocktails, try the Absinthe Original Bitter Spirit for a unique twist. As its name suggests, its formula with grand wormwood, fennel, and other herbs creates an intensely bitter yet complex flavor profile. Channel your inner mixologist to create the perfect “faux” Old Fashioned by mixing:
- 2.5 oz Absinthe Original Bitter Spirit
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters in a rock glass. Add ice and the Absinthe Original. Garnish with an orange twist. The caramelized sugar sweetens the bitter spirit beautifully.
4. La Boheme Absinthe Original – Green Gatsby
La Boheme Absinthe Original is distilled according to traditional techniques developed in the 19th century, resulting in a classic glass of absinthe with an authentic aniseed and herbal aroma.
The Green Gatsby cocktail draws inspiration from the Jazz Age and 1920s Art Deco aesthetic that Absinthe is associated with.
- 2 oz La Boheme Absinthe Original
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 1 oz green apple syrup
- 2 dashes of lemon juice
Shake the ingredients with ice and double-strain them into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. The Green Gatsby makes for an indulgent, sweet, and refreshing Prohibition-era-style party drink.
5. Absinthe Original Innocent – Innocent Miss
Channel your inner flapper girl with the Innocent Miss featuring the appropriately named Absinthe Original Innocent. This Swiss-distilled absinthe balances sweet aniseed with warming cinnamon and nutmeg for a smooth, velvety finish. For the Innocent Miss:
- 2 oz Absinthe Original Innocent
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- 1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
Shake with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with cranberry and a lime wedge. Tart, crimson-red cranberries give the illusion of a sweet and innocent cocktail belying a boozy punch.
6. Staroplzenecky Absinthe – Prague Sling
Hailing from the Czech Republic, Staroplzenecky Absinthe bears the distinguished historical pedigree of being the first legal absinthe reintroduced after the ban in 1912. It is based on an award-winning recipe using whole herbs for fuller flavor.
The Prague Sling highlights Staroplzenecky with another Czech specialty – Becherovka herbal liqueur.
- 1 oz Staroplzenecky Absinthe
- 1⁄2 oz Becherovka
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup 2 oz pineapple juice
Shake and strain over fresh ice in a Collins glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry—a contemporary update to a local Czech classic.
Conclusion
The above list presents six absinthe cocktails ranging from light and fruity to spirit-forward. Thanks to quality absinthe making a resurgence, more brands like these offer unique botanical blends and flavor profiles for mixology experiments. Gone are the days of dubious, back-alley absinthe – now you can craft fantastic party drinks with reputable brands.
So go ahead – play the scientist behind the bar. Mix, match, and spike your standard fare with absinthe for that devilish touch. But remember to drink responsibly – while absinthe’s mystical effects are exaggerated, high-proof spirits demand your respect.
