Today I am talking all about absinthe in honor of National Absinthe Day. Before I get to sharing my favorite cocktail with Lucid Absinthe I wanted to fill you in on the history of absinthe.
Absinthe was originally created as an elixir int he 1790s. It gained quick popularity and became widely known as a fashionable drink and was even thought to be a hallucinogenic. Absinthe was later banned in America as well as in France. After 95 years of prohibition, absinthe was re-authorized for sale in the United States with the approval of Viridian Spirits’ Lucid.
Lucid Absinthe, created by renowned mixologist and “The Father of Modern Absinthe” Ted Breaux, was the first brand allowed back in the United States after the repeal. Lucid is characterized by upfront flavors of anise and fennel, followed by the earthy flavors of absinthe and herbs, grassy notes and spice. Lucid is an incredibly versatile spirit. One of the more classic ways to serve Lucid is to dissolve a sugar cube in cold water and completely dissolve it in the absinthe, turning it a cloudy white color.
National Absinthe Day (March 5) was created to commemorate the repeal of the 95-year ban that kept the mystical spirit from US shelves. To honor Lucid Absinthe I am sharing The Green Hour, a mixed cocktail with Lucid Absinthe, melon liquer, ginger ale and lots of limes.
In the 1860s, 5pm was known as l’heure verte or The Green Hour. The Green Hour starts with muddled fresh limes which give this cocktail a fresh flavor and complements the strong taste of the fennel and anise present in the Lucid Absinthe.
The Green Hour
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Lucid Absinthe
- 1 ½ oz. melon liqueur
- splash of ginger ale
- 2-3 lime wedges
- lime spiral for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, muddle lime wedges. In a shaker add ice, Lucid Absinthe and melon liqueur. Shake vigorously and strain into muddled rocks glass. Top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with lime spiral.
The result is a boldly colored, bright green drink full of flavor and a modern feel.
Lucid won the 2009 Beverage Information Group Rising Star Aware for “superb” new brand performance and the 2008 Robb Report “Best of the Best.” Lucid is 124 proof (or 62% alcohol/volume) and is sold in 750 mL ($59.99) and 375 mL ($34.99) bottles.
As we raise a glass to Lucid on National Absinthe Day, Lucid is inviting its fans to join them with a cocktail and a Facebook chat with Ted Breaux Live from the Combier Distillery in France, where Lucid is made. Join in on the chat today (Wednesday, March 5, 2014) at 5 PM EST (2 PM PST).
Cheers to Lucid and National Absinthe Day!
Samples of Lucid Absinthe were provided by Lucid. Recipe was also provided by Lucid. Photos are my own.
This article was written by food and beer blogger Linda Arceo for Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps.