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Learning an absinthe recipe and making your own absinthe is a unique adventure. Whether you own a bar business, you’re learning about absinthe cocktails, or you want something outside absinthe brands, an absinthe recipe is useful. When you’re learning the answer to “What is absinthe?” learning how to make it is a key piece of information.
The next step after making absinthe is learning how to drink absinthe. Read on to learn an absinthe recipe and a few options to make it. We’ll also talk about a few absinthe cocktails in this BinWise blog post.
Absinthe Recipes
When it comes to making absinthe there are plenty of recipes and tricks you can find online. We narrowed in on a relatively simple recipe. You can test this out in your kitchen after a trip to the grocery store and perhaps some specialty mixologist or bartender shops. The materials you’ll need are:
- A bottle
- A strainer or cloth bag
- A warm, dark storage space, like a cellar
This recipe, which will yield 95-proof absinthe, calls for:
- An alcohol base of your preference, perhaps types of vodka
- 35 grams of wormwood
- 35 grams of anise seeds
- 8 grams of star anise
- 4 grams of fennel seeds
- 8 grams of Angelica root
- 4 grams of marjoram
- 4 grams of coriander
- 4 cardamom pods
- One-half seed of nutmeg
The main ingredients you need are the liquor, wormwood, anise, and fennel. Those are the key ingredients for absinthe. Everything else on the above list is technically optional. However, they’ll give your absinthe a more robust flavor.
The Recipe Creation
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients it’s time to start the creation process. This absinthe recipe will take some time, but following the steps of this infusion will get you there.
Step 1: Add ⅓ of a cup of the herbal mix you have into 750 ML of your liquor choice.
Step 2: Store the bottle in a warm, dark place. A waiting period of anywhere from two weeks to two months is recommended.
Step 3: Infuse the wormwood and the liquor together for a few days.
Step 4: Once you’ve stored your mix as long as you’d like to, it’s time to strain out the herbal mixture. From there you distill the liquid by boiling it. A still kit will help make this easier. This process removes the bitterness and some of the alcohol.
Step 5: Mix together your herbal and liquor infusion with your wormwood and liquor infusion, and add some water to dilute the mixture.
Step 6: Keep trying mixtures, herbal combinations, storage times, wormwood amounts, and liquor types. Eventually, you’ll find a mix that suits you.
The Second Option
There are more options for mixing absinthe with similar ingredients. The second option we’ll walk through involves a slightly different order of creation.
Step 1: Infuse the wormwood by putting the alcohol in a glass bottle with the wormwood. Close it with a sealed cork and let it sit for a month. Shake it a few times each day.
Step 2: Grind up your herbs with a mortar and pestle.
Step 3: After the month in storage, filter the clear liquid. Then add the herbs you ground up. This gives the absinthe its color and works similarly to a tea bag. You can use a new bottle, or the same one you infused the liquor in. If you use the same one be sure to wash and dry it fully.
Step 4: Let that mixture steep in the bottle for another month. Continue to shake it at least once each day.
Step 5: Enjoy your absinthe!
Absinthe Original Recipe
Sadly, we don’t have access to the absinthe original recipe. The mix of herbs that have gone into different absinthe options through the years has been a closely guarded secret. Making a type of absinthe has been similar to making a secret family recipe. All we can do is mix up our own options and enjoy the absinthe we have today.
"Key Takeaway: In the late 1700s, absinthe became the spirit we know it as today–albeit with different recipes. These days the main point of absinthe is to mix up amazing cocktails."
Frequently Asked Questions About Absinthe Recipes
The history and mystery of absinthe is so vast and varied, there’s always more to learn. There are things we can’t learn, because of old recipes and closely held secrets of absinthe makers. However, there are still plenty of sources to dive into.
Our answers to these frequently asked questions will give you further insight into absinthe recipes and general information about absinthe. Hopefully, they’ll also inspire you to keep digging.
What’s the Best Way to Drink Absinthe?
There is no one best way to drink absinthe. Some folks will tell you the best option is the Absinthe Drip. That is the traditional absinthe cocktail where you mix absinthe, sugar, and water to dilute the combination. It is delicious, but there are so many options.
The drink Ernest Hemingway created, Death in the Afternoon, is also a contender for the best. Named for his own book, Death in the Afternoon is a mix of absinthe and champagne–sparkling wines also work. It’s a unique treat worthy of Hemingway himself.
Is Absinthe Good for Your Gut?
In short, yes, absinthe can be good for your gut. Absinthe was originally made as a general-purpose medicine. Wormwood, the key ingredient in absinthe, is often used as an aid in all manner of digestive problems. While an absinthe cocktail will leave you in need of a hangover cure, it may also cure your minor stomach pains.
What Is the Point of Absinthe?
The point of absinthe has changed throughout the years. Initially, it was created and used to treat a range of conditions. Those conditions included jaundice, menstrual pain, anemia, and bad breath. Of course, it didn’t take much time for folks to realize it made for a pretty killer spirit too.
In the late 1700s, absinthe became the spirit we know it as today–albeit with different recipes. These days the main point of absinthe is to mix up amazing cocktails. With its unique flavor, color, and vibrant history, absinthe is a quality spirit. It even fits at some of the oldest bars in America.
Is It Legal to Make Absinthe?
Overall, yes, it is legal to make absinthe. The specific rules around it vary from country to state to what your purpose is for making it. Learning about the legality of making absinthe falls into the realm of learning how to get a liquor license. It even relates to direct-to-consumer wine shipping laws.
Whatever your reason for making absinthe is, it’s best to do your own research. Look into your local laws and cover your bases. BinWise isn’t a legal institution, and we don’t offer legal advice. Make sure you’re legally able to make absinthe before you start the distillation process.
How Long Does It Take to Distill Absinthe?
The distillation process for absinthe can take as little as 20 minutes. The distillation itself is relatively simple, especially if you buy a still. Overall the process to make absinthe, however, takes some time. The infusion process can take up to two months. It can take longer if you start to experiment with it.
Absinthe Recipes: A Recipe for Adventure
With your absinthe recipe and cocktail information you’re ready to start experimenting with absinthe drinks. Of course, come back to BinWise any time you’re looking for more support about liquors, cocktail drinks, and bar and restaurant solutions.