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absinthe.

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Recipes with absinthe + Add to pantry

SERVING

CALORIES

333

PROTEIN

CARBS

FAT

FIBER

NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g

Everything in this ingredient.

MACRONUTRIENTS

Calories333kcal—

Protein0g0%

Carbohydrates0g0%

Fiber0g0%

Sugar0g0%

Total fat0g0%

Saturated fat0g0%

Trans fat0g—

Cholesterol0mg0%

Water47.5g—

MINERALS

Sodium1.0mg0%

Potassium2.0mg0%

Calcium0mg0%

Iron0mg0%

Magnesium0mg0%

Phosphorus0mg0%

Zinc0mg0%

Copper0mg0%

Manganese0mg0%

Selenium0µg0%

Iodine0µg0%

VITAMINS

Vitamin A0µg0%

Vitamin C0mg0%

Vitamin D0µg0%

Vitamin E0mg0%

Vitamin K0µg0%

Thiamin (B1)0mg0%

Riboflavin (B2)0mg0%

Niacin (B3)0mg0%

Pantothenic acid (B5)0mg0%

Vitamin B60mg0%

Biotin (B7)0µg0%

Folate (B9)0µg0%

Vitamin B120µg0%

%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.

MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS

How much is what.

1 cup222g

1 tablespoon14g

1 teaspoon5g

1 ml0.9g

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why eat it.

✓Historically used as an aperitif to stimulate appetite and as a digestif to aid digestion, due to bitter compounds from its botanical ingredients like wormwood.
✓Contains various botanicals (such as anise, fennel, and wormwood) which possess compounds with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, though these are present in small amounts.
✓The traditional preparation ritual, known as the 'louche', encourages slow, mindful consumption, which can help moderate intake compared to other spirits.
✓Note: Absinthe is a high-proof alcoholic beverage, and its consumption carries significant health risks. Any potential benefits from its herbal components are overwhelmingly negated by the effects of alcohol.

COOKING TIPS

In the kitchen.

1Use absinthe as a 'rinse' for a cocktail glass to impart a subtle anise aroma, most famously for the Sazerac.
2Add a very small amount to cream-based sauces for seafood, particularly oysters or shrimp, to add a layer of herbaceous complexity.
3The traditional method for drinking is to slowly drip 3-5 parts iced water over a sugar cube resting on a slotted spoon above the glass, which turns the drink cloudy and mellows its flavor.
4It can be used in desserts, such as flambéing fruits or adding a dash to chocolate truffles for a unique flavor profile.

STORAGE

Keep it fresh.

Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent evaporation and flavor degradation.
Keep the cap tightly sealed to minimize oxidation. Absinthe does not spoil, but its complex aromatic profile may fade over several years after opening.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Is absinthe healthy?

While absinthe contains botanicals like wormwood and anise that were historically used as digestive aids, it is a very high-proof spirit. Any potential herbal benefits are significantly outweighed by the health risks associated with high alcohol consumption. It should be consumed strictly in moderation.

How many calories are in absinthe?

Absinthe is calorie-dense, containing approximately 333 calories per 100g. These calories come almost entirely from the high alcohol content, as the spirit contains 0g of protein, 0g of fat, and 0g of carbohydrates unless sugar is added during preparation.

Does absinthe cause hallucinations?

No, modern absinthe does not cause hallucinations. This myth originated from thujone, a compound in wormwood, but it is present in such trace amounts in regulated absinthe that the effects of the alcohol would be dangerous long before any hallucinogenic effects could occur.

Is absinthe vegan?

Yes, traditional absinthe is vegan. It is a distilled spirit made from base alcohols (like grape or grain) and flavored with botanicals such as wormwood, anise, and fennel, none of which involve animal products.

Is absinthe gluten-free?

Pure, distilled absinthe is generally considered gluten-free. Even if the base spirit is derived from grain, the distillation process removes gluten proteins; however, those with extreme sensitivities should verify that no gluten-containing flavorings were added after distillation.

What does absinthe taste like?

Absinthe has a very bold, complex flavor dominated by anise and fennel, which gives it a taste similar to black licorice. It also features herbal, floral, and distinctly bitter notes derived from the wormwood and other botanicals.

How do you traditionally prepare absinthe?

The traditional 'louche' method involves placing a sugar cube on a slotted spoon over a glass of absinthe and slowly dripping ice-cold water over it. This dilutes the high-proof spirit and causes it to turn from clear green to an opaque, milky white as the herbal oils are released.

Can you use absinthe in cooking?

Yes, absinthe can be used in cooking to provide a unique licorice-like aroma. It is commonly used in seafood dishes (like oysters Rockefeller), sauces, and even some desserts, though it should be used sparingly due to its intense flavor and high alcohol content.

How should absinthe be stored?

Absinthe should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the natural chlorophyll in 'verte' (green) absinthe to turn brown over time, though this change in color does not necessarily mean the spirit has gone bad.

Does absinthe expire?

Absinthe does not expire and has an indefinite shelf life due to its high alcohol concentration, which typically ranges from 45% to 74% ABV. Once opened, as long as the bottle is tightly sealed, it will remain safe to consume for many years.

RECIPES