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Once you’ve learned the answer to “What is absinthe?” and you’ve delved into absinthe cocktails to mix up for your bar or home, there’s a next step in your absinthe journey. That step is learning all about absinthe brands. Whether you have a bar business or you’re buying absinthe for your home learning about some of the best brands is key.
These 10 best absinthe brands cover a range of what absinthe can be. No matter what you’re planning to use your absinthe for–perhaps even a cocktail bar–there is something on this list for you.
Absinthe Brands: Strongest and Most Popular Picks
Absinthe, known for its mystique and high alcohol content, has long been a staple in craft beverage culture. Whether you’re exploring vintage prohibition-era cocktails or building out a specialized bar inventory program, understanding absinthe brands is a must for any bar or restaurant professional.
While it’s easy to confuse absinthe with anise-flavored spirits like ouzo, real absinthe is much stronger—and much more complex. This complexity makes it ideal for seasonal beverages, especially around Halloween when demand for theatrical cocktails surges.
Some popular and powerful absinthe brands include:
- Lucid Absinthe Supérieure – A solid entry-level absinthe for bars just learning how to take bar inventory on high-proof spirits.
- St. George Absinthe Verte – Produced in California, this one pairs well with artisan cocktails.
- Pernod Absinthe – One of the most recognized names globally, ideal for upscale menus with a heritage twist.
Absinthe can also be used creatively in mocktail variants by substituting flavor profiles with star anise, fennel, or wormwood-based tinctures.
If you're working on restaurant staff training for specialty spirits or enhancing bar knowledge, a tasting of absinthe brands is a memorable—and educational—addition.
10. Copper & Kings Absinthe Blanche
Copper and Kings Absinthe Blanche, crafted in Butchertown, Louisville, Kentucky, is an absinthe with a brandy base. It has the typical absinthe notes of wormwood, hyssop, and fennel, alongside black pepper from the unique blend. It’s a creamy, enjoyable option of all the U.S. absinthe variations. If you’re looking local for stocking a bar, this is a great option.
9. Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte
The Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte is another U.S.-made favorite absinthe choice. Made in Denver, Colorado in a small-batch process, this Absinthe Verte is produced with the traditions of 19th Century European distillers in mind. This absinthe was first crafted in 2008. It’s recommended for the classic absinthe cocktail, the Sazerac.
8. St. George Absinthe Verte
The St. George Absinthe Verte was the first legal American absinthe after the ban on absinthe was lifted in 2007. Produced in Alameda, California, this absinthe option may have a playful monkey on the label but it’s not messing around. It remains one of the best absinthe options in the U.S., and it suits many of the best absinthe cocktails.
7. Pernod Absinthe Superieure
The Pernod Absinthe Superieure, was originally made in Pontarlier, France. The Pernod name gained traction from the beginning of the distillery in 1805. These days Absinthe Superieure is still produced in France. There are many unique absinthe bottles available on the market today, but for many, the Pernod option remains the superior choice.
6. Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun
The Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun, from Chicago, Illinois, is a unique addition to this list. The barrel-aged process results in a caramel-colored mixture. The oak barrels also affect the flavor, creating a spicy, smooth, mellow absinthe. With hints of vanilla and caramel, this is one to test out in many cocktail options.
5. Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe
Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe is from Pontarlier, France, which historically is the heartland of absinthe. It’s a small-batch production absinthe, which means care is put into every single bottle. The base comes from a chardonnay grape, which makes this one of the more unique absinthe options on this list.
4. Jade Liqueurs Nouvelle-Orléans Absinthe Supérieure
Jade Liqueurs Nouvelle-Orléans Absinthe Supérieure has the most high-class name of all the absinthes on this list, and its name suits it well. From Samur, France, this mix is one of the classic absinthe options. It suits any cocktail and any occasion. Although it’s not from New Orleans, it has the spirit of The Big Easy.
3. La Clandestine Absinthe
La Clandestine Absinthe, from Switzerland, is one of the best clear absinthe options. It’s fitting that it is so high on this list since it comes from Switzerland, the birthplace of absinthe. It is relatively easy and budget-friendly, so if you want a bottle of some of the best traditional and unique absinthe, this is the option for you.
2. Golden Moon Redux Absinthe
Golden Moon Redux Absinthe, crafted in Golden, Colorado, is a notable choice from all the U.S.-based absinthes. With an ABV of 65%, this is quite the punch of absinthe, and the traditional use of thujone is a major player in the mix. It can be purchased online but if you’re looking for a reason to visit Colorado this is it.
1. Doc’s Natural Spirits Green Absinthe
We saved the number one spot for an absinthe that rings true as a traditional choice. Doc’s Natural Spirits Green Absinthe, from New York City, is considered a modern rendition of the classic absinthe mix. It’ll take you back to pre-regulation absinthe without the health risks.
Emerging Trends in Modern Absinthe Production
Contemporary distillers are blending tradition with innovation, using organic botanicals and experimental aging techniques. Small-batch producers like Vilya Spirits now prioritize sustainability, while brands like Pacifique focus on terroir-driven flavor profiles. Barrel-aged absinthes (e.g., in bourbon casks) are gaining traction for smoky complexity.
Curating Absinthe for Bars
Integrating absinthe into a bar's offerings requires thoughtful consideration to maximize its appeal. One effective strategy is to design seasonal menus that highlight the versatility of absinthe. For example, citrus-forward brands like St. Georgeare ideal for summer cocktails, while spiced options such as Leopold Brothers suit winter drinks.
When it comes to cocktail pairings, absinthe's unique flavor can elevate classic recipes. High-thujone absinthes are perfect for Sazeracs, imparting a robust herbal note, whereas floral varieties complement Champagne cocktails, adding a delicate complexity.
Efficient inventory management is crucial when offering a diverse range of absinthe brands. BinWise’s software simplifies this process by tracking different ABV levels and bottle sizes, ensuring accurate stock levels and reducing waste.
Additionally, staff training is essential to educate bartenders on the nuances of various absinthe brands. Understanding the distinct characteristics of each brand enables bartenders to make informed recommendations, enhancing the customer experience.
Incorporating absinthe into a bar's repertoire not only diversifies the menu but also offers patrons a unique tasting experience. By curating a selection of absinthe brands and leveraging tools like BinWise, bars can effectively manage inventory and deliver exceptional service.
Regional Absinthe Hotspots
Absinthe production is flourishing in various regions, each contributing unique styles and flavors to the market. In the United States, Colorado and California are leading the way. Colorado's Leopold Brothers produces traditional recipes with a modern twist, while California's St. George offers innovative expressions that have garnered acclaim.
Switzerland remains a heritage hub for absinthe, with brands like La Clandestine upholding traditional distillation methods. These Swiss absinthes are renowned for their clarity and adherence to classic flavor profiles.
Emerging producers are also making their mark. Delaware Phoenix in New York is celebrated for its commitment to traditional recipes, Waldorf in Oregon employs biodynamic practices, and Rivertown in Louisiana crafts sugarcane-based variants that offer a unique sweetness.
These regional hotspots showcase the diversity and innovation present in today's absinthe market. By exploring offerings from different areas, consumers can experience a wide range of flavors and styles, deepening their appreciation for this storied spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Absinthe Brand Options
Absinthe has been used in mixed drink options and served in bars and restaurants for several centuries. It inspires many questions, particularly because of the veil of mystery surrounding the spirit. From Van Gogh to Oscar Wilde, many famed artists have dabbled in absinthe and written about it.
With those famous penned lines and so many more, there is plenty of information about absinthe. We’re adding our own with these answers to some frequently asked questions. These answers will give you more confidence with serving and drinking absinthe.
What Is the Strongest Absinthe You Can Buy?
The strongest absinthe you can buy is the King of Spirits Gold Absinthe. It contains 100mg of thujone and it is 140 proof–that’s a high ABV. It is available for purchase in the U.S., however, it is quite expensive with a price point of over $200.
We chose not to include this Gold Absinthe on our list of the 10 best absinthe brands. While it is unique, it fits a niche area of drink mixing and enjoyment. If you have the chance to try it, give it a whirl! But remember, some of the best absinthes are the more middle-of-the-road options.
Can I Get Real Absinthe In the U.S.?
Yes, you can get real absinthe in the U.S., though rules and regulations on serving it in bars are extensive. Absinthe with thujone was banned in the U.S. from 1912 to 2007. These days you can purchase full-strength absinthe. The main rule that regulates the absinthe folks consider real is that lawfully imported absinthe sold in U.S. liquor stores needs to be free of thujone.
Of course, free isn’t a black-and-white term. The technical rule is that this legal absinthe must have a thujone level of below 10ppm (parts per million). If you want full thujone-strength absinthe, the best place to drink it is overseas or at home. You can even deck out your home bar with some of these best 10 options.
What Does Real Absinthe Taste Like?
Real absinthe tastes primarily like black licorice. This unique punch of flavor comes from the addition of herbs like anise and fennel. There are some very smooth absinthe options that have only a faint black licorice flavor. This flavor also can be balanced depending on the absinthe cocktails you mix up.
Is Absinthe a Sipping Drink?
Yes, absinthe is typically a sipping drink. If you’re drinking an Absinthe Drip, it should be sipped and savored. In general absinthe cocktails are well suited to sipping. If there’s one thing you don’t want to do with absinthe, it’s shooting it as a shot.
What’s the shelf life of opened absinthe?
Absinthe maintains quality for 1–2 years if stored upright away from light. Use BinWise to track open dates and prioritize usage.
How do I price absinthe cocktails?
Factor in pour costs (typically 0.5–1 oz per drink) and pair with BinWise’s pricing templates to maintain 20–25% profit margins.
Can absinthe replace other spirits?
Yes—substitute gin in a Corpse Reviver or vodka in espresso martinis for herbal depth. Always update BinWise inventory when testing swaps.
Absinthe Brand Choices: Pick Your Poison
These 10 absinthe brands suit any bar, restaurant, or home. They can be mixed into cocktails and served up on any occasion. If you’re picking absinthe brands for your bar, you should also pick up some inventory program support. BinWise can help you there.
BinWise Pro, paired with the BinScan mobile app, keeps your inventory in line. When you take inventory with BinWise you’re set up for success. If you bring BlueCart into the mix for your order management system you’ll be ready for any bar patron.