Absinthe tasting at Morton's Steakhouse

Metromix goes green fairy-chasing again

By John Houser III
Special to Metromix

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of absinthe? Green fairies and hallucinations, perhaps? For years, absinthe has had a bad rap for no real reason. It was banned in America in 1912 amid rumors about what it did to the people who drank it. Well, lucky for us, the ban on absinthe was lifted in 2007 and we can now pull back the curtain of ignorance and dispel the myths surrounding this mysterious spirit.

One producer trying to educate the public about this verdant liquor is the Pernod Ricard Company, which held an absinthe tasting at Morton's on March 13. In a dark wood-paneled room, enthusiasts gathered to hear Pernod representative Krista Dumser describe the history behind Pernod absinthe, general facts about absinthe and the proper way to make a glass of the elixir. While Dumser poured the guests glasses of absinthe, mixologists were on hand to create mixed drinks in case any of the attendees wanted to soften the blow. Just when everyone felt that the anise-flavored liquor would be too much for them, waiters came out with hors d'oeuvres to take the edge off. For those who were not acquainted with absinthe, this was a great introduction to a new spirit and for those who have had absinthe before it was an excuse to get together with new people and tempt the green fairy once again.

Read on to learn about proper pouring technique and some other drinks that can be made with absinthe.