Wormwood oil extracted from Artemisia absinthium, a herb that grows in the temperate regions of North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Wormwood has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Wormwood oil is considered toxic in its pure concentrated form. It is extracted using the steam distillation method. Only the leaves and flowering tops of the plant are used for oil extraction.

The plant Artemisia absinthium belongs to the Asteraceae family and is also known as the green ginger, wormwood, absinthium, and armoise. The medicinal properties of this plant were recognized by early civilizations. In fact, the word absinthium comes from a Greek word apsinthion. Wormwood oil has been used in the treatment of several conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, Gall bladder inflammation and as an agent that expels intestinal parasites. Wormwood oil’s aromatic and antiseptic properties were appreciated by medical practitioners for centuries.

At the end of the eighteenth century a French doctor Dr Pierre Ordinaire invented absinthe using wormwood to treat stomach ailments. It was also used a digestive tonic in those days. Absinthe soon caught the fancy of the public and by the end of nineteenth century it had become one of the most sought after liquors in Europe. So popular had absinthe become that at one time it rivaled wine in popularity. Absinthe however, had high alcohol content and its unique effects added to its popularity. It was the favorite drink of many intellectuals, artists and painters along with the common man. Absinthe was considered as a creative stimulant and many great artists, painters and writers of the eighteenth and nineteenth century attributed their creative genius to its unique effects.

Absinthe is made using various herbs and neutral spirits; the main herb being wormwood. Thujone a chemical present in wormwood oil and other essential oils from other herbs were considered responsible for the unique effects of absinthe liquor. Thujone consumed in higher concentrations can cause hallucinations, hyper excitability, and in some cases brain damage

The late nineteenth century also saw an increase in alcohol addiction levels amongst the general population in Europe. Due to unsubstantiated rumors and misinformation, absinthe was eventually banned in most parts of Europe and North America at the beginning of the twentieth century. However, in the light of new research published in the later part of the twentieth century and early twenty-first century most countries in Europe lifted the ban and allowed production, consumption, and sale of absinthe. The research clearly demonstrated, using sophisticated analytical tools that thujone content in absinthe was within safe limits and fit for human consumption in moderation.

Wormwood oil is today used by many herbalists to treat indigestion, worm infestation and other liver and gall bladder problems. Wormwood oil contains active substances like thujone and isothujone.

Wormwood oil is also used in the preparation of absinthe essence. Absinthe continues to be banned in America. However, American citizens can purchase absinthe essence and absinthe kits from non-US producers online and prepare their own absinthe liquor.

For more authentic information on absinthe kits, absinthe essence, and other absinthe accessories visit absinthekit.com

Absinthe the legendary liquor of nineteenth century Europe has made a stunning comeback after being banned for most part of the twentieth century. Absinthe is considered a living fossil amongst all modern drinks. It has the ability to transport its lovers back to the magical days of nineteenth century Europe. Absinthe was the most popular drink of Europeans before it was wrongfully banned. Pre ban Vintage absinthe reminds connoisseurs of the glittering cafés of Paris, bohemian musicians, great painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Picasso and an era that epitomized artistic and cultural refinement.

Absinthe was invented by a French doctor Dr. Pierre Ordinaire just after the French revolution. It was initially used for treating stomach ailments. It was also called “La Fee Verte” or “The Green Fairy” this nickname is fondly used even today. In 1805 the first factory to commercially produce absinthe was started by Henri Louis Pernod, as by that time absinthe was considered an appetizing alcoholic beverage. Absinthe’s popularity grew by leaps and bounds and soon it became the most preferred drink in all cabarets and cafés of Paris. Everyday 5 p.m. was celebrated as the green hour.

By the middle of the nineteenth century concerns were raised as chronic abuse of absinthe had started creating social problems. Absinthe was blamed for a syndrome called absinthism. Hallucinations, epileptic fits, and hyper-excitability were considered as the classic symptoms of this new syndrome. Belgium banned absinthe in the year 1905 and by 1915 almost all European countries except Spain had banned absinthe. Most of the reputed distilleries that were producing absinthe went bankrupt and closed down while some distilleries started producing pastis.

However, in the beginning of this century most European countries lifted the ban on absinthe in the light of new discoveries that rubbished the claim that absinthe contained abnormal levels of thujone. This renewed interest in absinthe; and once again absinthe started to claim its rightful place amongst the finest of liquors. Suddenly vintage bottles of absinthe were the most sought after items and collectors began collecting vintage absinthe bottles from century old cellars.

Vintage absinthe sells for a phenomenal amount and there are people who are ready to pay hundreds of dollars for a 30mL samples. Perfectly sealed bottles with the cork intact sell for hundreds of dollars. The absinthe in these vintage absinthe bottles is very well preserved and louches beautifully and is remarkably smooth to drink.
However, not everyone has the resources to buy vintage absinthe just to spend an evening with the “Green Fairy”. The best alternative to vintage absinthe is to order absinthe essence and prepare your very own absinthe with neutral spirits like vodka. United States continues to ban production and sale of absinthe. US citizens can posses and consume absinthe as it is not a crime. The closest you can get to taste pre-ban absinthe is by ordering absinthe essence from non-US producers of absinthe essence and absinthe kits and make your own absinthe at home. The essence is made using the classic absinthe recipes.

Absinthekit.com is the most trusted site that offers a variety of genuine absinthe essence, absinthe kits, and other absinthe accessories.

With bottled Absinthe being so expensive, many people are interested in making their own Absinthe at home and want to know where to find recipe for Absinthe liquor.

Absinthe is a mythical, mysterious drink with an interesting history. It was originally created in the 18th century as an elixir or tonic by the legendary Dr Pierre Ordinaire in Switzerland. By the turn of the 19th century, it was being produced as an alcoholic beverage by Pernod Fils and soon became a very popular drink, even more popular than fermented beverages and other alcoholic drinks.

Absinthe, or the Green Fairy, is a very strong liquor which is made by distilling alcohol with herbs such as wormwood (artemisia absinthium), fennel and aniseed. Different distillers use different recipes but these are the three main herbal ingredients.

Absinthe has an anise flavor with a hint of bitterness, which comes from the wormwood. The drink was banned in many countries in the 1900s because of worries that it was leading to widespread alcohol abuse and that it caused hallucinations and insanity. These claims are completely unsourced and are just part of the mass hysteria of the time, and wine producers’ worries over the popularity of Absinthe. Absinthe is perfectly safe to drink and does not make you hallucinate.

Absinthe is usually consumed diluted with iced water. The traditional method of preparation is called the Ritual. This method involves pouring a shot of Absinthe into an Absinthe glass and dripping iced water over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon and into the Absinthe. The water causes the Absinthe to louche and then the drink is ready to consume.

Where to find Recipe for Absinthe Liquor

Commercial Absinthe is made by distilling herbs with alcohol. There are various recipes for distilling Absinthe at home, but home distillation is illegal in many countries without a license, so this is not to be recommended.

So, what are the options for making Absinthe at home?

1.Using an Absinthe steeping kit – You can either purchase a steeping kit online or make up your own by making a blend of herbs to steep in alcohol. Recipes online include herbs such as wormwood, fennel, aniseed, anise, hyssop, calamus root, angelica, lemon balm, coriander seeds, melissa, roman wormwood and many others. These herbs are added to alcohol and left to steep for a few days before the mixture is filtered. Some recipes call for one blend of herbs to be steeped first, then removed, and then another blend to be used as a finishing or coloring blend. Steeping will not give you a true Absinthe because there is no distillation involved.

2.Using Absinthe Essences – AbsintheKit.com produce Absinthe essences by distilling traditional Absinthe herbs with alcohol. These are the same essences that they produce for the Absinthe industry and are top-quality essences. Simply mix 20ml of essence with 730ml of Everclear or vodka to make a true Absinthe. They have four different types of essences available to make four different styles of Absinthe – a La Bleue style, a classic verte Absinthe, an orange flavored Absinthe and a strong Absinthe which contains more wormwood and so has a stronger and more bitter flavor. All four essences contain wormwood.

Making homemade Absinthe by using essences is much quicker and easier than steeping herbs and filtering. For a start you don’t have to bother about where to find recipe for Absinthe liquor because the thinking has been done for you. The essences are ready to use – simple and easy! Enjoy your Absinthe.

Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist attraction in Mexico and many US citizens want to know if it is possible to drink real Absinthe in Mexico because they have been unable to source it in the United States. So, let’s find out where to drink Absinthe in Playa del Carmen.

First some details about Playa del Carmen:-

Playa del Carmen is a trendy resort about 40 miles from Cancun. It has beautiful white beaches, coral reefs and a vibrant nightlife with a vast array of bars, clubs and restaurants on offer. Sunbathe or snorkel by day and dance the night away. It is the perfect place to sample your very first Absinthe.

Where to drink Absinthe in Playa del Carmen

Absinthe is not a hugely popular drink in Mexico but is catching on in resorts frequented by Europeans and Americans. Absinthe is legal in Mexico and many different brands and styles can be sampled including famous Czech brands.
For up to date information about bars and clubs that are serving Absinthe, you may want to check on absinthedemexico.com.

The main bars and clubs can be found on the Fifth Avenue, 8th Street and 12th street. Bars on 12th Street include Blue Parrot, Om and Coco Maya. Further bars including the Bali Club and Santanera can be found near 10th Avenue.

If you’re going to Playa del Carmen on holiday then that’s great, you can enjoy the sea, sun and a glass of Absinthe. However, there’s really no need to travel to Mexico just for buying Absinthe.

Since 2007 some brands of Absinthe have been legal to sell and buy in the United States. It has always been thought that Absinthe was illegal in the US because alcohol had to be classed as “thujone free” to be legal. The good news is that US test equipment allows liquor which has a thujone content of 10mg/kg or less to be classed as thujone free. This finding has meant that some distillers are now able to sell their Absinthe in the US. Lucid, Kubler and Green Moon have all been legalized now for purchase along with others.

True original Absinthe contains wormwood and to experience the real taste of pre ban Absinthe you need to buy Absinthe which contains wormwood and not a fake or substitute Absinthe. Wormwood is the key ingredient in Absinthe. If you order Absinthe online, many suppliers have product descriptions telling you about the different brands and their thujone levels. The website Lafeeverte.net has got a great buyer’s guide with reviews on different brands to help you choose from the many Absinthes on sale.

You can make your very own wormwood Green Fairy at home by using an essence from AbsintheKit.com. Simply mix 20ml of essence with 730ml of Everclear or vodka to make a true Absinthe. They have four different types of essences available to make four different styles of Absinthe – a La Bleue style, a classic verte Absinthe, an orange flavored Absinthe and a strong Absinthe which contains more wormwood and so has a stronger and more bitter flavor. All four essences contain wormwood. These essences are available on their website along with replica Absinthe glasses and spoons.

So, you no longer have to worry about where to drink Absinthe in Playa del Carmen when you can now enjoy the Green Fairy at home.

There are so many websites selling Absinthe and Absinthekits that its hard to know where to buy Absinthe online, especially if you’re new to Absinthe.

Absinthe, otherwise known as the Green Fairy or La Fee Verte, is a strong alcoholic beverage with an anise taste. Henri-Louise Pernod’s original Absinthe was made with a wine alcohol base and flavored with herbs such as grande wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium), aniseed and fennel. Although Absinthe is distilled at high proof and is very strong, it is served diluted with iced water. It is approximately twice as strong as other spirits such as vodka and whisky.

Real Absinthe contains the herb wormwood which gives the drink its characteristic bitter taste. Wormwood contains the chemical thujone which was one of the reasons why the drink was banned in the early 1900s. It was thought that thujone was psychoactive and harmful to health. Studies and tests have now shown that Absinthe, even pre ban Absinthe from distilleries like Pernod, only contains trace amounts of thujone and is not harmful.

Absinthe is enjoyed by using a preparation method called The Ritual. A shot of Absinthe in an Absinthe glass is slowly diluted with water dripped over a cube of sugar on an Absinthe spoon. The water gradually mixes into the alcohol causing the drink to louche and become cloudy. Only Absinthe containing real herbs and essential oils will louche so you need to make sure you use a top-quality Absinthe.

Where to Buy Absinthe online – real Absinthe

To enjoy Absinthe properly you need to order a quality Absinthe made by a reputable distillery. An Absinthe which contains wormwood. Some websites will give you details about alcohol by volume (or proof) and thujone content. For example, Absinth24.net says that Absinthe La Clandestine from Claude-Alain Bugnon has an alcohol by volume of 53% and has less than 30mg of thujone. Thedrinkshop.com, a UK based company gives very good product descriptions of the Absinthe available to order on their web shop and also has product reviews.

Another good way of ensuring that you use quality Absinthe, is to make your won. Now, home distillation is illegal in most countries unless you have a license and Absinthe just is not real Absinthe without the distillation process. However, AbsintheKit.com make real wormwood Absinthe essences which are distilled by high tech carbon dioxide distillation. They contain natural, traditional herbs and are the same essences that AbsintheKit sell to the Absinthe industry. They are already distilled so you don’t have to do anything apart from mixing 20ml of essence with 730ml of vodka or Everclear. That’s it, very easy.

The essences come in 4 different varieties:-

Absinthe Classic Essence – This essence makes a classic green Absinthe with a thujone content of 35mg.

Absinthe White Essence – Use this essence to make a clear Absinthe reminiscent of Swiss La Bleue style Absinthes. This essence makes an Absinthe with a 35mg thujone content.

Absinthe Orange Essence – Flavored with natural orange oil, this essence makes a yellowy orange Absinthe with a thujone content of 35mg.

Absinthe 55 Strong Essence – You should use this essence if you want a darker green Absinthe with a stronger wormwood flavor. The thujone content will be 55mg.

The essences are available in 20ml bottles, to make one 750ml bottle of Absinthe, or in 280ml bottles to make 14 bottles of Absinthe. The AbsintheKits contain a 280ml bottle of essence, a handy plastic measure and artistic bottle labels.

Knowing where to buy Absinthe online is important if you want quality Absinthe that tastes right and that louches. Look for reputable companies selling award winning brands or make your own from essences.