Spice Up a Martini with Absinthe
Now that the ban on absinthe liquor has been lifted in the U.S., Canada and most of Europe, drinks containing absinthe have risen in popularity. Absinthe is a highly alcoholic liquor distilled from leaves and flowers of wormwood and other herbs, with a flavor of anise and herbs and has a green color. Absinthe liquor typically has an alcohol content of 68 percent (136 proof). Absinthe sold in the U.S. must have less than 10 ppm of a component called thujone, which is considered to be psychoactive. Here’s make an updated version of a classic cocktail—the absinthe martini.
Instructions
1. Chill martini glasses by placing them in the freezer for about five minutes. Meanwhile, go to the liquor cabinet and get out a bottle of gin (or vodka if preferred), an extra dry vermouth and a bottle of absinthe liquor.
2. Put three or four ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and add two ounces of gin (or vodka) and ½ ounce (or less, for a drier martini) of extra dry vermouth. Add 1/4 teaspoon of absinthe liquor to the shaker.
3. Shake the mixture vigorously and strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. Add an onion-stuffed olive as a garnish and serve.
Tags: absinthe liquor, extra vermouth