Absinthe is one of those beverages with a reputation that lasts longer than its hangovers. Drinkers of note include Oscar Wilde and Vincent Van Gogh. Absinthe is usually in the 106- to 148-proof range, and so is meant to be diluted to the strength of a glass of wine, rather than used as a shot. While popular culture indicates that the best way to prepare absinthe involves lighting sugar on fire, the traditional-and more effective-method is as follows. You will need a bottle of absinthe, a wine glass, an absinthe spoon (or normal fork), sugar cubes (one is standard), and ice-cold water.
1.) Pour an ounce of absinthe into the glass.
2.) Place the absinthe spoon (or fork) across the top of the glass, with the notch touching the rim of the glass (for the spoon), or so that the fork is curving downward. Place a sugar cube on top.
3.)Pour a small amount of ice water over the sugar cube so that it is slightly moist. As the sugar begins to dissolve, drizzle water slowly over it.
4.) Even after the cube has dissolved, pour the water in very slowly. Absinthe comes in a variety of strengths, but an absinthe-to-water ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 is standard. As you pour in the water, watch the drink carefully-it will turn from greenish and translucent to whitish and cloudy (what is called the louche).
5.) Stir. Drink.
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