17 Swiss Style Absinthe Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Swiss-style absinthe has been a beloved drink for centuries, known for its strong herbal flavors and unique green color. This iconic beverage has been enjoyed by artists, writers, and bohemians alike, with its rumored hallucinogenic effects adding to its allure. However, creating authentic Swiss-style absinthe is an art form that requires precise techniques and ingredients. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Swiss absinthe recipe and learn how to make this delicious drink at home.
Main Ingredients: Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, Absinthe
If you're a fan of sweet and refreshing cocktails, then you need to try the Foghorn. This delicious drink is made with gin, lime juice, and ginger beer, making it the perfect summer sipper. The addition of absinthe adds a unique twist to this classic cocktail.
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Death In The Afternoon
Main Ingredients: Champagne, Absinthe
This potent cocktail was created by the iconic writer and drinker, Ernest Hemingway. It's made with absinthe and champagne, giving it a bubbly and slightly anise-flavored kick. It's the perfect drink to enjoy on a lazy afternoon or to toast to a special occasion.
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The Original Sazerac
Main Ingredients: Absinthe, Cognac, Simple Syrup, Bitters
The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that dates back to the 1830s. It's made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and a hint of simple syrup, creating a smooth and flavorful drink. The addition of Peychaud's bitters gives it a unique and complex taste.
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Savannah Cocktail With Absinthe
Main Ingredients: Absinthe, Fresh Lemon Juice, Peach Syrup, Water
This cocktail is a twist on the classic Savannah cocktail, which traditionally includes gin, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice. The addition of absinthe adds a subtle herbal note to this fruity and refreshing drink. It's the perfect cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day.
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White Elephants Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Rum, Simple Syrup, Lime Juice, Grapefruit, Absinthe
This cocktail is named after the famous White Elephant Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas. It's made with bourbon, absinthe, and peach bitters, creating a smooth and slightly fruity flavor. It's a great drink to enjoy while listening to some live music or toasting to a special occasion.
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Improved Brandy Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Cognac, Simple Syrup, Maraschino Liqueur, Peychaud S
This cocktail is an improved version of the classic Brandy Cocktail. It's made with brandy, absinthe, and maraschino liqueur, giving it a complex and slightly sweet taste. This is a great drink to enjoy after a long day or as an after-dinner digestif.
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The Tuxedo (No. 2) Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Gin, Dry Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Orange
The Tuxedo is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1880s. This version, known as the Tuxedo No. 2, is made with gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a dash of absinthe. It's a smooth and sophisticated drink, perfect for sipping on a special occasion.
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Rattlesnake Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Blended Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Absinthe, Simple Syrup
This cocktail may have a scary name, but don't let that fool you. It's a delicious mix of rye whiskey, absinthe, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup. The absinthe adds a unique twist to this classic whiskey sour, making it a must-try for any cocktail lover.
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Wilson’s Smash
Main Ingredients: Rum, Lime Juice, Pineapple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
The Wilson's Smash is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that's perfect for summer sipping. It's made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and absinthe, topped with a few fresh raspberries. It's a sweet and tart drink that's sure to quench your thirst.
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Absinthe Drip
Main Ingredients: Absinthe, Ice Water, Sugar Cube
The Absinthe Drip is a classic way to enjoy absinthe. It involves slowly dripping ice-cold water over a sugar cube placed on top of a slotted absinthe spoon, allowing the sugar and water to mix with the absinthe and create a cloudy and flavorful drink. It's a ritualistic and delicious way to enjoy this iconic spirit.
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The Blackthorn
Main Ingredients: Irish Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
This cocktail is a twist on the classic gin and tonic. It's made with gin, dry vermouth, absinthe, and topped with tonic water. The absinthe adds a subtle herbal note to this otherwise simple cocktail, making it a great choice for those looking for something a little different.
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The Green Beast
Main Ingredients: Absinthe, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Water
This refreshing and slightly boozy cocktail is perfect for summer sipping. It's made with absinthe, lime juice, cucumber, and simple syrup, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's a great drink to enjoy while lounging by the pool or on a sunny patio.
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Swamp Thing
Main Ingredients: Light Rum, Absinthe, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cucumber
This eerie-named cocktail is actually a delicious mix of gin, absinthe, green chartreuse, and lime juice. The green chartreuse adds a unique and herbal note to this refreshing and slightly tart cocktail. It's the perfect drink for any Halloween party or spooky-themed event.
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Sleepy Hollow Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Absinthe, Mezcal, Allspice, Angostura Bitters, Rosemary
This cocktail is inspired by the classic Washington Irving tale, Sleepy Hollow. It's made with bourbon, apple cider, cranberry juice, and a splash of absinthe, giving it a fall-inspired flavor. It's the perfect drink to enjoy while carving pumpkins or watching a scary movie.
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Absinthe Fizz
Main Ingredients: Absinthe, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White, Club Soda
This fizzy and refreshing cocktail is a great way to enjoy absinthe without it being too overpowering. It's made with absinthe, lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with club soda. The result is a light and bubbly drink with a subtle herbal note.
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Rattlesnake
Main Ingredients: Makers Mark, Lemon Syrup, Absinthe, Egg White, Lemon
This cocktail is a classic whiskey sour with a twist. It's made with rye whiskey, absinthe, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of egg white, creating a frothy and flavorful drink. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a tart and slightly sweet cocktail.
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Tough to Hear
Main Ingredients: Chile, Absinthe, Lime Juice
This unique cocktail is made with gin, absinthe, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup. The addition of absinthe adds a subtle herbal note to this otherwise classic gin sour. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a slightly more complex and unique cocktail.
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Scampi Rockefeller
Main Ingredients: Angel Hair Pasta, Unsalted Butter, Scallions, Garlic
This cocktail is a twist on the classic Bloody Mary, inspired by the famous Rockefeller Center in New York City. It's made with vodka, tomato juice, absinthe, and a variety of seasonings and garnishes, including olives and bacon. It's a meal in a glass and perfect for a boozy brunch or hangover cure.
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Cognac Sazerac
Main Ingredients: Cognac, Sugar, Bitters, Absinthe, Lemon Peel
This version of the classic Sazerac is made with cognac instead of rye whiskey. It's also made with Cognac, absinthe, and a touch of simple syrup. The result is a smooth and slightly sweet cocktail with a unique twist. It's perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
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Le Rouge Supérieur Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Lillet, Cognac, Absinthe, Cinnamon Stick, Allspice
This cocktail is a twist on the classic French 75, a champagne cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This version adds a touch of absinthe and a splash of cranberry juice, creating a beautiful red hue and a slightly tart and herbal flavor. It's the perfect drink for a special occasion or romantic evening.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
To make Swiss-style absinthe, you will need grand wormwood, green anise, fennel, and other herbs and spices such as hyssop, lemon balm, and coriander. These herbs and spices are what give absinthe its distinct flavor and aroma. It is important to use high-quality, organic herbs to ensure the best results. You will also need high-proof alcohol, preferably grain alcohol or vodka, and sugar for sweetening.
Equipment:
To properly make Swiss-style absinthe, you will need some specific equipment. This includes a copper absinthe still or a glass infusion jar, a sugar strainer, absinthe spoon, and absinthe glasses. The copper still or glass jar is essential for the infusion process, while the sugar strainer and spoon are used for the traditional absinthe ritual of adding sugar to the drink.
The Infusion Process
The first step in making Swiss-style absinthe is to infuse the herbs and spices in high-proof alcohol. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the desired strength and flavor. To begin, crush the herbs and spices and place them in the copper still or glass jar. Then, pour the alcohol over the herbs, making sure they are completely submerged. Let this mixture infuse in a cool, dark place for the desired amount of time, shaking the jar or stirring the mixture occasionally.
The Traditional Absinthe Ritual
Once the infusion process is complete, it is time to enjoy your homemade Swiss-style absinthe. The traditional absinthe ritual involves placing an absinthe spoon on top of an absinthe glass, with a sugar cube placed on the spoon. Slowly pour the infused absinthe over the sugar cube, allowing it to dissolve and drip into the glass. This ritual not only adds sweetness to the drink but also creates the iconic cloudy effect known as the "louche."
Conclusion
Making Swiss-style absinthe may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and equipment, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. The infusion process and traditional absinthe ritual add to the overall charm and mystique of this beloved drink. So why not try your hand at making your own authentic Swiss-style absinthe at home? Your taste buds and your inner bohemian will thank you.