Cocktails with Absinthe
Absinthe is a strong, unsweetened spirit distilled with grande wormwood, green anise and fennel, the "holy trinity" behind its sharp anise-and-wormwood taste. Properly made, it is clear or naturally green.
ABV45–74%It is one of the strongest spirits on the shelf, which is why it is diluted with water or used only in small amounts.
How it's used
In cocktails absinthe is almost always an accent: a rinse of the glass or a few dashes, for aroma rather than volume. That is its role in a Sazerac or a Corpse Reviver No. 2, while a Death in the Afternoon tops it with Champagne. On its own it is served diluted: iced water is dripped through a sugar cube on a slotted spoon, three to five parts to one. The water turns it milky, the louche, because its anise oil (anethole) dissolves in alcohol but not in water.
Substitutes for Absinthe
Where absinthe is the main spirit, there is no real substitute.
For a rinse or a few dashes, swaps in one for one. It brings the anise and the clouding, though not the dry wormwood bitterness. By the measure, it gives a slightly sweeter, weaker drink. Less syrup will be needed.
Ouzo
Drier and behaves much like pastis.
Sambuca and anisette
Far sweeter and suit only a rinse.
