Don't Do A Shot Of Absinthe Without This One Modification

When I was in my twenties, all my friends were artists; Some were painters, some were sculptors, and others were writers and musicians. We would spend early evenings at galleries or book signings, enjoying the art as much as the cheese and wine, and late nights creating art that would inevitably end up in the garbage the next morning. It was one of these nights that my best friend introduced me to absinthe.

Absinthe has a reputation as an almost mystical spirit — one that's shrouded in myths of hallucinations and la fée verte (The green fairy) floating above your head after a sip. So naturally, I thought of downing a shot of absinthe as the ultimate rite of passage into this enigmatic world. Except, take my advice: Don't shoot it. Instead, my friend brought out a wonderfully intricate copper-colored absinthe fountain with small cups and a dedicated space for melting sugar cubes; A unique gift for a stunning home bar, celebrating a centuries-old ritual that turns drinking into an art. 

What you really need is one simple modification: water. It dilutes absinthe, unlocking its flavors and taming its fiery nature. And while you're at it, why not elevate the experience with a few tools from your bar cart? A proper absinthe spoon and a sugar cube make the process feel fancy, but a slotted spoon and a glass work just as well. Trust me, skip the shot and embrace the ritual. Step into a world where you sip, not suffer.

Absinthe is not the drink you down in one go unless your goal is to feel like you just swallowed a bottle of mouthwash mixed with fire. This highly concentrated anise-flavored spirit is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Its tradition of preparation is just as dramatic as its reputation — including the green fairy myths that go along with absinthe drinking culture. Traditionally, absinthe is served using a drip method. Picture this: A glass of absinthe, an ornate slotted spoon balanced on top, and a sugar cube slowly dissolved by ice-cold water trickling through. As the water mingles with the absinthe, it creates the signature louche — the cloudy formation that unlocks the herbaceous aromas and flavors while softening the liquor's intensity.

The result? A drink that's perfectly balanced and delightfully complex. But don't think this ritual is just for the hardcore cocktail enthusiast. Adding water can make absinthe approachable, even for the faint of heart. If you're hesitant, try incorporating it into a cocktail. And if you're staying away from alcohol, these mocktails are so good, you won't miss the booze.

So next time you're tempted to take a shot of absinthe, take a beat, grab some water, and do it the right way for a magical, fairy-free experience. Because let's face it, absinthe deserves more respect than being a dare shot at a college party.