Calories:160
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:4g
Alcohol %:29
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Green Fairy is a cocktail that's as mystical as its name. It's primarily made with absinthe, a spirit known for its vibrant green color and high alcohol content. The cocktail was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among artists and writers who believed it stimulated creativity. It's a strong, potent drink, perfect for those who appreciate the unique flavor of absinthe.
The Green Fairy is a complex cocktail with a strong, herbal flavor. It's slightly bitter due to the absinthe, but the addition of sugar and water helps to balance it out. The cocktail also has a hint of anise, giving it a refreshing, licorice-like taste.
Absinthe, the star of this show, has a high alcohol content and a potent flavor profile dominated by anise and herbal botanicals. The 1.5 oz serving is just enough to provide the characteristic kick without overwhelming the palate. If you use more, you might end up with a drink too strong to enjoy; use less, and you'll lose the essence of the Green Fairy. No real alternatives here, as absinthe's unique flavor is irreplaceable in this cocktail.
Sugar cuts through the bitterness and the heat of absinthe, with one cube being sufficient to balance the drink without making it overly sweet. Using too much sugar could overpower the subtle notes of the absinthe, while omitting it entirely could result in a harsh and less approachable drink. Other sweeteners like honey or agave could be used, but they would bring their own flavors and potentially alter the classic character of the cocktail.
Water serves to dilute and 'louche' the absinthe, turning it into a milky, opalescent mixture and mellowing its intensity. Two ounces is ideal for achieving the desired dilution and texture. Too much water, and the cocktail becomes too weak; too little, and the absinthe may be too strong. Ice water is the traditional choice, but using chilled still water is also acceptable.
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If you can't find absinthe, you can substitute it with pastis or anisette. However, keep in mind that these substitutions will slightly alter the taste of the cocktail.
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Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
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Absinthe gets its distinctive green color from the herbs that are used during its production process. These herbs include green anise, sweet fennel, and various other herbs.
This is a common myth. Absinthe does not have hallucinogenic properties; its psychoactive effects were likely exaggerated.
The water and sugar dilution process, otherwise known as the absinthe ritual, mellows the potentially bitter taste of the spirit and blurs the liqueur to create a characteristic 'louche' effect.
While there's no specific season or occasion for serving the Green Fairy, some people associate it with Mardi Gras or adventurous nightime gatherings due to its high alcohol content and unique presentation.
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