Absinthe Day

National Absinthe Day is celebrated on March 5 of every year. Absinthe is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic (45–74% ABV) beverage. The spirit is flavoured with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green colour but may also be colourless. Absinthe glasses were with a dose line, bulge, or bubble in the lower portion denoting how much absinthe should be poured. There are few classic ways to drink absinthe; the traditional French preparation involves taking a measured amount of absinthe in a glass and pouring ice water on sugar cube until it dissolves which is placed on the absinthe spoon and the drink turns cloudy known as Louching. The Bohemian Method involves dropping of burning sugar which was pre-soaked in alcohol and thus igniting absinthe.In 19th century Parisian cafés, absinthe is offered with a suitable glass, sugar, absinthe spoon, iced water and the person is allowed to set their drink.

I sit at my door, smoking a cigarette and sipping my absinthe, and I enjoy every day without a care in the world.” – Paul Gauguin

History of National Absinthe Day

National Absinthe Day had celebrated annually from March 5th, 2007, when the ban for Absinthe was lifted. The day also marks the sale of the first batch of absinthe in the US. The ban was due to the surplus of studies showing that the psychoactive properties in absinthe which were mostly exaggerated; many made up to defame the drink and those who drank it. In 2007, Absinthe was declared that no more harmful than any other spirit. But it does have a much higher ABV.  However, the history of absinthe began close to the 18th century when it is used as a tonic in Switzerland, and it gains popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th– and early 20th-century in the France fancied especially among writers and artists.

How to celebrate National Absinthe Day

Celebrate National Absinthe Day by drinking absinthe in any traditional style or any your favourite cocktail. If you haven’t tried absinthe, today is the best day to do it. You can also organise absinthe party on this day. One can learn to make an absinthe drink on National Absinthe Day. Post pictures and share your National Absinthe Day celebrations on the social media by using the hashtag #AbsintheDay.