Absinthe: The Forgotten Libation
Updated: Oct 12
Absinthe, also known as “The Green Fairy,” was introduced in France in 1792. The green-hued spirit has hints of anise and a licorice aftertaste. The drink was both considered a medication and became affiliated with demonic behavior at one point. A hoax of an illness called absinthism was related to French soldiers' use of absinthe as a substitute for their wormwood medicine. However, the hallucinogenic and other negative properties gave it the reputation it had for so long.
Eventually, it became the scapegoat for madness and violence amongst mankind. Absinthe became a special target for prohibitionists. They referred to the drink alternatively as “The Green Devil.” It was banned at the beginning of the 20th century. After over 100 years, it became available again in its diluted version. Nowadays, you can get a cocktail made with the libation at a prohibition-themed speakeasy, gothic adjacent bar, or almost any Edgar Allen Poe themed event.
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