Absinthe is not merely an alcoholic beverage; it’s also one of the most controversial drinks in history.
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| how to drink absinthe |
What Happens When You Drink Absinthe
The active ingredient in absinthe, wormwood, causes hallucinogenic effects that are so intense they’ve been banned in many countries—including the United States from 1912 to 2007.
- But what happens when you drink absinthe?
- What should you expect from this hard-to-find spirit?
- This guide to drinking absinthe will tell you all about its cultural significance and effect on your body.
How to make absinthe
To make absinthe, you'll need three primary ingredients:
- anise (also known as licorice), fennel and wormwood.
- Anise is a flowering plant in the parsley family that's grown throughout Europe and Asia.
- The leaves of its plant are used to flavor soups, herbal teas and liquor.
- Fennel seeds look like tiny yellow flowers that are made into traditional Italian pastes, seasonings for French dishes such as fish stew and candy called pailles.
- Wormwood has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history -- it's often mixed with wine to make vermouth.
Effects on the body
- Because absinthe was once banned, it has since developed a reputation for being something of an illegal substance.
- However, it is completely legal and safe to drink today. Drink absinthe will not get you drunk like whiskey or vodka. It is only about as strong as wine—approximately 70 percent alcohol by volume (ABV)—but tends to have more psychedelic effects than alcoholic ones because of its unique chemical composition and method of preparation.
- That said, there’s no need to worry about blacking out and waking up in Vegas married to Lady Gaga: Although absinthe can cause vivid hallucinations and a strong feeling of intoxication that lasts long after you’ve stopped drinking it, there are very few cases in which it led directly to hospitalization or death.
Best time of day
The best time to drink absinthe is in mid-afternoon. Absinthe has a high alcohol content, so you want to leave yourself plenty of time to savor it—not slam it back. If you take too big a gulp, you’ll only numb your palate and lose out on enjoying its complex flavor. While many people do enjoy drinking absinthe straight, a little bit of water can help open up its flavors without weakening them.
Best type of glassware
Drinking absinthe in a traditional glass isn’t enough to prepare you for what is about to happen. The bouquet of anise, fennel, and other herbs will hit your nose.
But hold on: The first thing that happens when you drink absinthe is that it numbs your tongue and lips (try eating an ice cube or a piece of candy just before taking a sip). That’s because thujone—the main psychoactive constituent of wormwood—is a neurotoxin.
After ingesting it, your body will react by numbing your mouth and tongue (and sending pleasant tingles down your spine) as protection against possible damage.
SOURCE : Yasoquiz