For instance, in the U.S., since 2007, absinthe made with wormwood can be legally distilled and sold, but must be “thujone-free.” This actually means absinthe sold here can only contain trace amounts of thujone, which almost all authentically-produced absinthe already does. Even after bans were lifted, absinthe production hasn’t been universally regulated, so you’ll have to pay attention the laws (or lack thereof) wherever you’re buying. However that doesn’t mean you should just knock Absinthe back willy nilly. (The wormwood is famously left out in pastis, an anise-flavored liqueur made famous by Pernod Ricard-who, it should be noted, relaunched their original Pernod Absinthe in 2013.) The wormwood was originally blamed for causing those hallucinations (thujone in wormwood, specifically), but science has pretty well concluded that the concept has no basis, no matter how inspired a bunch of artists and writers may have felt after drinking it. Like ouzo, or even gin, it starts with a fairly neutral alcohol or wine base which is then macerated with flavorings, especially anise, fennel, and wormwood. So while it might have a bit of a crazy reputation, absinthe is actually just a potently flavored liquor. Popular Cocktails: Corpse Reviver No.2, Death in the Afternoon, Absinthe FrappeĬommonly known as “The Green Fairy” for its supposed ability to make you hallucinate, the truth is that anything freaky that happens to you after drinking absinthe has everything to do with its high alcohol content-and whatever choices you’re making in your life right now.

George Absinthe Verte, Pacifique Absinthe Verte Superiere Commercial Examples: Oak Aged Valkyria, Muse Verte, Pernod Absinthe, St.Aged: Not required, though more producers are experimenting with it.Color: Can be clear, more often emerald green or pale yellow (feuille morte, or “dead leaf”) color.

Absinthe hallucination