The Influence of Absinthe

Absinthe is the most wonderful shade of green. This substance, also known as the green fairy, usually consists of 50% to 70% of alcohol. This means that absinthe is 100 to 140 proof. This is an extremely large amount of alcohol. It should not be consumed alone. This alcohol is so strong that it is actually illegal in the United States.

Absinthe's delicious flavor and aroma is attributed to the use of anise and fennel in the creation of the substance. Wormwood also plays a key role in the production of this incredible drink. Wormwood contains a chemical that is similar to the chemical in marijuana. This chemical creates a pleasant feeling when consumed. The chemical is called thujone; it adds the bitter taste found in absinthe.

This exceptional green potion was created by a doctor named Pierre Ordinaire, but this drink is not the least bit ordinary. When it was originally created it was used to cure many different ailments. It was considered by numerous people to be a wonder drug. Absinthe, containing an unusually strong amount of alcohol, would definitely ease one's pain. One can assume that the wormwood also produces a wonderful feeling. Such delightful feelings would make anyone's suffering or sickness seem to be healed. Absinthe was even given to French troops to prevent sicknesses.

Absinthe was very popular in France in the late 1800's. Absinthe was known for its ability to creatively stimulate. Many famous artist's and writers partook of this controversial drink. Ernest Hemingway was known to take pleasure in this glorious emerald treat. Pablo Picasso even dedicated his artistic talent to painting glasses of absinthe on more than one occasion. Vincent Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Arthur Rimbaud are some of the other known admitted absinthe fans. Scores of writers and artists were known to enjoy absinthe as their drink of choice.