# How can I drink a minibottle of absinthe? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 19, 2006, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327 "2006-06-19T18:10:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gitfiddle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/898d66/32.png) [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/1 "2006-06-19T18:10:46Z")
Someone left a minibottle of absinthe at a friend of mine’s house, and she gave it to me. Though, I don’t remember how you’re supposed to serve it. I drank it once in London, and I remember sugar and fire. With normal (or less) kitchen utensils, how can I serve myself some absinthe? (I’m not drinking by myself, for those of you who might be thinking so) ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Who](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Doctor\_Who](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Who)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/2 "2006-06-19T18:16:05Z")
Get a regular ol’ metal spoon (preferably not your fine china) and a shot glass. Also get some sugar - regular table sugar is fine. Pour the absinthe into the shot glass. Get a spoonfull of sugar. Dip the spoonfull of sugar carefully into the absinthe so that the absinthe just soaks into the sugar. You’re looking for an absinthe-soaked mound of sugar. Remove the spoon. Light the sugar/absinthe mound on fire. Let it burn for a while - look for some serious caramelization. It should turn brown. When that results, blow out the fire (or let it burn till it goes out). Drop the sugar solution into the absinthe and stir. Drink the absinthe quickly. Repeat. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/3 "2006-06-19T18:19:00Z")
Per [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe): > [@](#): > > Traditionally, absinthe is poured into a glass over which a specially designed slotted spoon is placed. A sugar cube is then deposited in the bowl of the spoon. Ice-cold water is poured or dripped over the sugar until the drink is diluted 3:1 to 5:1. During this process, the components that are not soluble in water come out of solution and cloud the drink; that milky opalescence is called the louche (Fr. “opaque” or “shady”, pronounced “loosh”). The addition of water is important, causing the herbs to “blossom” and bringing out many of the flavors originally overpowered by the anise. For most people, a good quality absinthe should not require sugar, but it is added according to taste and will also thicken the mouth-feel of the drink. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Who](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Doctor\_Who](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Who)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/4 "2006-06-19T18:27:15Z")
No fire, **Otto**? Tsk, tsk. ---
**Author:** ![CynicalGabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@CynicalGabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CynicalGabe)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/5 "2006-06-19T18:46:58Z")
A small cube of sugar helps the absinthe go down… ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/6 "2006-06-19T18:59:09Z")
No wonder it’s illegal in the US…it’s too complicated! 😃 Can’t you just slug a shot of it and chase it with a beer or something? ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/7 "2006-06-19T19:19:37Z")
[QUOTE=An Arky] Can’t you just slug a shot of it and chase it with a beer or something? [/QUOTE] Sure you can. Some absinthe is shootble, assuming you like the liquorice flavour. However, there are some absinths that are so bitter they need to be served with the sugar. I do think that the burning, dripping sugar is a new thing. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/8 "2006-06-19T20:22:02Z")
[QUOTE=An Arky] No wonder it’s illegal in the US…it’s too complicated! [/QUOTE] Are there two different drinks called absinthe? I’ve heard that it’s illegal in the US, but I’ve also seen it on the menu at bars. Is it something like the “truffles” you can buy in candy shops that are just chocolate, with no truffle in them? ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/9 "2006-06-19T20:43:14Z")
[QUOTE=InvisibleWombat] Are there two different drinks called absinthe? I’ve heard that it’s illegal in the US, but I’ve also seen it on the menu at bars. Is it something like the “truffles” you can buy in candy shops that are just chocolate, with no truffle in them? [/QUOTE] There are some absinthe-like concoctions made without the thujone-containing species of wormwood, one of which markets itself under the name “Absente”, or “Ansinthe Refined”: > **[Absente](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absente)** > > Absente is a brand name of 110 proof anise liqueur that has been marketed under the tagline "Absinthe Refined" since c. 2000. "Absente" is a French word that translates as "absent" in English. Prior to 2009, Absente sold in the U.S. contained no grande wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), the essential herb from which absinthe derives its name. The maker substituted southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) and the product was bottled with sugar, two critical aspects that differentiated Absente as an anise... Without Artemisia absinthium, it’s legal, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a US bar simply sold it as “absinthe”. Note that that version actually uses a different species of wormwood, which presumably has no thujone in it. It’s debateable as to whether there’s enough thujone in absinthe to have any effect on you without your simply being drunk on your ass anyway, given that the stuff is usually around 60% alcohol. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/10 "2006-06-19T21:48:02Z")
Depending on how bitter you find it, you can omit the whole sugar and fire thing and just mix it with some ice water. If you’ve ever had anisette, it tastes like that. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2006, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/11 "2006-06-19T22:42:13Z")
[QUOTE=Doctor Who] No fire, **Otto**? Tsk, tsk. [/QUOTE] I didn’t write the entry. ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2006, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/12 "2006-06-20T16:35:21Z")
[QUOTE=An Arky] Can’t you just slug a shot of it and chase it with a beer or something? [/QUOTE] A group of people I know decided to try it. First the whole burning with sugar, then just sugar water, and finally diluting with ice water. Way to bitter each time. Finally, they decided on a shooter followed by a shot of straight lemon juice, to get rid of the taste. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2006, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/13 "2006-06-20T16:42:17Z")
I loathe anise flavor, so it’s not gonna taste good to me no matter how I mix it. I was wondering if it’s just “damn, that tastes bad” bad or if it’s “DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!” bad. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2006, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/14 "2006-06-20T17:08:09Z")
[QUOTE=InvisibleWombat] Are there two different drinks called absinthe? I’ve heard that it’s illegal in the US, but I’ve also seen it on the menu at bars. Is it something like the “truffles” you can buy in candy shops that are just chocolate, with no truffle in them? [/QUOTE] It’s illegal to import it and to sell it here but not illegal to possess it and drink it. A friend of mine whose parents lived in Germany for a few years used to send a bottle home once in a while. Perfectly legal to do. No time cite right now but if you look up the legality you’ll find out you can even purchase it online. (For personal consumption of course) ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2006, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/15 "2006-06-21T19:39:36Z")
[QUOTE=The Chao Goes Mu] **It’s illegal to import it** and to sell it here but not illegal to possess it and drink it. A friend of mine whose parents lived in Germany for a few years used to **send a bottle home once in a while. Perfectly legal to do.** No time cite right now but if you look up the legality you’ll find out you can even purchase it online. (For personal consumption of course) [/QUOTE] The two sections I bolded above don’t go together. First you say it’s illegal to import, and then you say it’s perfectly legal to import. I don’t understand. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2006, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/16 "2006-06-21T19:57:18Z")
[QUOTE=The Chao Goes Mu] **It’s illegal to import it** and to sell it here but not illegal to possess it and drink it. A friend of mine whose parents lived in Germany for a few years used to **send a bottle home once in a while. Perfectly legal to do.** No time cite right now but if you look up the legality you’ll find out you can even purchase it online. (For personal consumption of course) [/QUOTE] The two sections I bolded above don’t go together. First you say it’s illegal to import, and then you say it’s perfectly legal to import. I don’t understand. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2006, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/17 "2006-06-21T20:28:52Z")
[QUOTE=InvisibleWombat] The two sections I bolded above don’t go together. First you say it’s illegal to import, and then you say it’s perfectly legal to import. I don’t understand. [/QUOTE] Actually, it sounds like he said it’s illegal to import but perfectly legal to _export_. Unless I missed something. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2006, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/18 "2006-06-21T20:28:57Z")
[QUOTE=InvisibleWombat] The two sections I bolded above don’t go together. First you say it’s illegal to import, and then you say it’s perfectly legal to import. I don’t understand. [/QUOTE] Maybe he means you can’t import with the intent to sell, but you can bring it in for personal consumption. I don’t much care…the flavor is such a turn-off that I’ll be taking a pass on this cocktail. ---
**Author:** ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2006, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/19 "2006-06-21T20:47:09Z")
[QUOTE=Doctor Who] No fire, **Otto**? Tsk, tsk. [/QUOTE] If the Wikipedia cite is incomplete, you should go modify it. ---
**Author:** ![yBeayf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/e274bd/32.png) [@yBeayf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yBeayf)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2006, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327/20 "2006-06-21T22:41:10Z")
> [@](#): > > No fire, Otto? Tsk, tsk. The fire thing is a fairly recent innovation – the traditional method was to just pour cold water over the sugar cube. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-drink-a-minibottle-of-absinthe/361327.md?page=2)