How To Prepare Absinthe

Traditionally, absinthe is poured into a glass over which a specially designed slotted spoon is placed. A sugar cube is then deposited in the bowl of the spoon. Ice-cold water is poured or dripped over the sugar until the drink is diluted to a ratio between 3:1 and 5:1. During this process, the components that are not soluble in water, mainly those from anise, fennel, and star anise, come out of solution and cloud the drink. The resulting milky opalescence is called the louche (French for "opaque" or "shady"). The addition of water is important, causing the herbs to "blossom" and bringing out many of the flavors originally overpowered by the anise.

Originally a waiter would serve a dose of absinthe, ice water in a carafe, and sugar separately, and the drinker would prepare it to his preference. With increased popularity, the absinthe fountain, a large jar of ice water on a base with spigots, came into use. It allowed a number of drinks to be prepared at once, and with a hands-free drip, patrons were able to socialize while louching a glass.

Although many bars served absinthe in standard glasses, a number of glasses were specifically made for absinthe. These had a dose line, bulge, or bubble in the lower portion denoting how much absinthe should be poured in. One "dose" of absinthe is around 1 ounce (30 ml), and most glasses used this as the standard, with some drinkers using as much as 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml).

The Czech, or "Flaming" method is a new method of absinthe preparation rumored to have originated in the Czech Republic.

Step 1
Pour your dose of Absinthe into your Absinthe Glass. Generally Absinthe is mixed 1:3 to 1:5. Some Absinthe Glasses have a Dose Mark to make this easier.

Step 2
Place your Absinthe Spoon on top of the glass but before you put the Sugar Cube on top of the spoon, soak it in the Absinthe for a few seconds.

Step 3
Light the Absinthe soaked Sugar Cube on fire and let it caramelize and drip into the drink before you begin adding the water.

Things to note when using this method:
High proof alcohol is EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE! This is one of the reasons I must recommend against this method. Drunk people, flammable liquids and flame do not mix well.
Using this method will damage spoons other than those made of Chrome or Stainless Steel. Do not use Gold Plated or Silver Plated spoons.
This method is frowned upon by Absinthe "Purists."

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Absinthe