March 5, don't you know, is National Absinthe Day. Well, that's the word on the street -- the Wormwood Society, devoted to all things absinthe-y, doesn't say a thing about it. Rimbaud loved it, so that's good enough for us.
It's true that March 5 is the four-year anniversary of absinthe sales in the U.S. In Miami, La Fee Vert, an absinthe-only burlesque joint, capitalizes on this in a big way.
But Kate Kenny, who's pumping Lucid brand absinthe, wants to dispel some absinthe rumors and untruths about the magical elixir. And toss in a simple recipe:
1. It's legal
After the 100-year ban ended in 2007, absinthe is sold in all 50 states.
2. Absinthe doesn't make you trip
This popular absinthe myth is 100 percent false. Of course, consuming any spirit (especially one with an extraordinarily high proof) in large quantities will bring unpleasant consequences.
3. Hard Proof
One hundred twenty-four. That hits harder than vodka or rum at a measly 80 proof.
4. Yummy factor
Think along the flavor lines of black licorice and fennel.
5. Verde versatility
Absinthe can be consumed the traditional way (fountain, ice, and sugar) or in a classic cocktail, the Absinthe Frappe.
Absinthe Drip Recipe
1.5 oz. Lucid Absinthe, 1 Sugar Cube, Ice Water Pour 1.5 oz. Lucid into an absinthe glass. Place sugar cube atop a flat, perforated spoon that rests on the rim of the glass. Slowly drip 4-5 oz. of ice cold water on top of the sugar cube (or directly into the glass), which dissolves into the absinthe. The cold water causes it to "louche" into an opalescent cloud as the herbal essences emerge from the absinthe and perfume the room.
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