Chasing the Green Fairy In The Big Easy

The legend and allure of absinthe

The preparation for drinking absinthe/ Photos by Nick Howard

Absinthe is an alcoholic beverage that has gained a lot of mystique over the centuries. The anise-flavored drink was first invented in the 18th century by French chemist Pierre Ordinaire. It was banned in several countries until a revival of interest in the 1990s.

The ban came around with the reputation of the drink causing hallucinations for those who drank it. This was due to a compound called thujone present in some of the ingredients such as wormwood.

However, later studies have shown that the trace levels of the compound would not cause in more effect than any other alcoholic drink (which packs a punch at between 45–75% ABV).

Now with revised food and drug laws, absinthe has enjoyed a revival in recent years. Several brands have popped up in Europe and is available in the United States for those curious to try the drink.

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