Absinthe

Lore & Background

Absinthe was created in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland in the late 18th century, with the widely accepted historical canon crediting Henri-Louis Pernod and the Henriod sisters. It rose to great popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th- and early 20th-century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. The consumption of absinthe was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists, partly due to its association with bohemian culture. From Europe and the Americas, notable absinthe drinkers included Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Absinthe has often been portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen, which gave birth to the term absinthism. The chemical compound thujone, which is present in the spirit in trace amounts, was blamed for its alleged harmful effects. Recent studies have shown that absinthe's psychoactive properties, apart from those attributable to its alcohol content, have been exaggerated. Absinthe's revival began in the 1990s, following the adoption of modern European Union food and beverage laws that removed long-standing barriers to its production and sale. By the early 21st century, nearly 200 brands of absinthe were being produced in a dozen countries, most notably in France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

Reader's Guide

Absinthe holds a significant place in cultural history as a symbol of bohemian life and artistic expression in late 19th- and early 20th-century France. Its association with writers and artists such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Charles Baudelaire cemented its reputation as a muse for creativity, while its alleged psychoactive effects—later exaggerated—led to widespread bans. The spirit's revival in the 1990s, driven by modern EU laws, allowed it to re-emerge as a legal and popular drink, with nearly 200 brands produced globally by the early 21st century. Its legacy includes the term 'absinthism' and the enduring myth of the green fairy, though scientific studies have debunked claims that it is more dangerous than ordinary spirits. Absinthe's influence persists in cocktail culture, notably through the Sazerac, and in its continued production in countries where it was never banned, such as Spain and Portugal.

Did You Know?

• Absinthe is traditionally bottled at 45–74% ABV but is normally diluted with water before consumption.
• The hour of 5 pm in 1860s France was called l'heure verte 'the green hour' due to absinthe's popularity.