Making Your Own Absinthe

1. 1

   In reality, you should macerate Mix A for a few days in a 1 quart (1-liter) bottle of 190 proof (95 percent) clear alcool, then dilute and distill it.

2. 2

   But since it is dangerous and mostly illegal, we dont suggest it.

3. 3

   After you get a clear distillate, you would macerate Mix B in it for a few days to impart the greenish tinge (though not the fake mouthwash color) and a light herbaceous tone.

4. 4

   Then you would add clean water and strain it through a coffee filter to bring down the alcool content to 90 proof (45 percent).

5. 5

   So if youre bottling in old wine bottles, it should be half mixture, half water.

6. 6

   Cork, shake, and serve.

7. 7

   Another option (that purists would find disturbing) is to put Mix A in a muslin bag and tie it closed.

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   Soak the bag in 190 proof clear alcool for 3 days in a dark, cool room.

9. 9

   Remove the Mix A bag, add Mix B in a muslin bag, and leave again for 3 days, same process.

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    Then remove the second bag and filter the liquid through a series of coffee filters.

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    Add an equal amount of clean water.

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    Or, you can substitute simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water; dissolve the sugar in the water) for part of the water.

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    Here is how to find our herb man, a one-stop shop for absinthe ingredients: Herbarome-la Bottine aux Herbes, 3778 A Rue Saint Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M1, (514) 845-1225; labottineauxherbes@bellnet.ca.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.