Absinthe Blog

Absinthe, which is often referred to as a “liqueur,” is actually an anise-flavored apertif distilled from several herbs. The main component of Absinthe is alcohol and it is said to be 75% alcohol. Aside from the alcohol, there are several herbs that make up Absinthe and these are the following:

Wormwood or Artemisia absinthum, is a member of the daisy family. Wormwood is the source of thujone and Absinthe bitterness. This also produces the green color in this drink.

Another major Absinthe ingredient is star anise. This is a highly ornamental plant that is a member of the magnolia family. The star anise counters the bitterness of the Absinthe and also enhances the louche. The anise seeds are used also to neutralize the bitter taste.

Absinthe ingredients such as the fennel seed and angelica root both belong to the parsley family and can counter the bitterness.

Peppermint and hyssop are Absinthe ingredients that give the drink its vibrant green color. These aromatic herbs are both members of the mint family and add some freshness to Absinthe.

Licorice is another Absinthe ingredient that helps reduce the bitter taste. It is a member of the bean family and it is one of the most widely consumed herbs in the world.

Coriander, which is a member of the parsley family, is also one of the herbs that counter the Absinthe’s bitterness.

Dittany, an herb that belongs in the mint family, is another Absinthe ingredient that lessens the bitter taste.

Lemon balm, which is also member of the mint family, is used to add a lemon/citrus flavor to Absinthe.

Juniper is a cone-bearing plant that also helps neutralize the Absinthe’s bitterness.

It is said that all of the Absinthe ingredients generally fall into one of the following four categories: mind-altering, aphrodisiac, aromatic or curative.