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absinthe makes the heart grow fonder
The
Western world's most notorious elixir, Absinthe hit
its popularity peak around the turn of the Twentieth
Century. In the early 1900's, it was outlawed in most
nations, notorious for making men go mad.
An
ultimate emblem of decadence during La Belle Epoch,
Absinthe was the cocktail of choice on Paris' wealthy
nightclub scene. Mixed with water dripped over a sugar
cube on a specially designed silver spoon, the drink
was an ultra-chic fashion statement. But its true power
lies not in presentation, but the dangerous mix of distilled
herbs from which the drink derrives its distinctive
flavor.
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Absinthe's
ingredients include a mixture of Chamomile, Hyssop
and other herbs, but its potency and supposed hallucinogenic
capabilities are owed to the addition of wormwood,
a shrub-like perennial. The drink has been credited
with everything from curing stomach ailments to inspiring
great works of fiction. The most devout of Absinthe's
fans credit the drink with visions of a gorgeous green
fairy, La Fee Verte, (think Tinkerbell meets Barbie).
A
sexy representation on recent films "From Hell"
with Johnny Depp and the movie musical "Moulin
Rouge" has sparked a revival. Many countries
have revoked Absinthe's ban, although the U.S. is
holding out.
Although the possession of Absinthe in the U.S. is
legal, its import is forbidden. It is, however, possible
to obtain from European websites.
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