Absinthe Drip
Ingredients
Preparation
Pour the absinthe into an absinthe glass, wineglass, or water goblet. If using sugar, place an absinthe spoon or a small strainer across the top of the glass and put the sugar on top of the spoon. Using a carafe, pitcher, or absinthe fountain, slowly drizzle the ice-cold water over the sugar and into the glass (or directly into the glass if no sugar is desired). As the water mingles with the anise oils, the absinthe will begin to louche or cloud up.
The absinthe drip is a ritualistic preparation that transforms the spirit's intense herbal bite into something approachable. It’s the traditional way to prepare absinthe. Ice-cold water slowly clouding the green liquor releases waves of anise, fennel, and wormwood, while dissolved sugar tempers the bitterness without masking the complexity. The result is a long, refreshing drink with a licorice-forward profile and a subtle, lingering botanical warmth. This 19th-century preparation method remains the purist's way to experience absinthe.