Colin O'Neill or Sean Perkins: (504) 524-4114. Pernod, Herbsaint, Pastis, Etc. But, herbsaint is acknowledged as a subtle drink to make the consumers' day bright and refreshing. Generally speaking, its safe to consider Pernod anise as a pastis. Writer, absintheur, and cheeky devil. Sazerac Print Me. Pernod Absinthe Original Recipe: This absinthe is made using a brandy base and wormwood from Pontarlier, France. You think you see it as it really is. Its ideal for cooking with seafood like fish, escargot, crawfish, and oysters. In the 1800s, sugar came in lumpy rocks rather than perfect cubes. They are Pernod, Pastis 51, Ricard Pastis, Casanis Pastis, and Marie Brizard Anisette. To get technical, pastis would be most properly considered a liqueur instead of a spirit like absinthe because of the sugar used in its production! French winegrowers, unhappy about declining sales, started a smear campaign by creating propaganda linking absinthes purported hallucinogenic properties to murders. However, it's not uncommon to see it mixed with other drinks like cranberry juice or Coca-Cola. It contains a melange of herbs and spices that are complex. 2 quarts cold milk 3 cups brandy 1/2 cup Herbsaint 1/2 cup superfine sugar. It has a higher alcohol content than other anise-flavored liqueurs such as . 6. Pernod will have a more subtle rounded flavor of anise or licorice to most palates. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the contents of the food processor into a large mixing bowl. Its flavor is well-rounded and subtle. While both heavily feature anise flavors, that is where the similarities end! Puree the mixture thoroughly. Absinthe is a spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other herbs. Combine ingredients in a blender, whizz for 5 seconds and pour into a chilled goblet or rocks glass. This piece of absinthe paraphernalia, known as absinthiana, became a symbol of status. Now, it ranks among the industry's most formidable behemoths. Pair it with an equally peppery rye that has subtle vegetal notes like Knob Creeks Single Barrel Rye or Rittenhouse Rye. Absinthe Frappe: This simple, refreshing cocktail mixes absinthe with crushed ice, soda, mint and a touch of simple syrup. In a mixing glass, combine sugar, Peychaud's Bitters, and a few drops of water. Season St. George Absinthe Verte (USA; St George Spirits, Alameda, CA); $60, 89 points. After the second you see them as they are not. The most striking component of the neutral spirit-based absinthe is the fragrant aroma, which bursts with savory spices like cumin and oregano. Its infused with botanicals from around the Alameda, California distillery, and has a bit of a savory flavor to go along with the licorice and anise notes. Advertisement. I think you'd really have to have a refined palate to know the difference/have a preference. The refreshing non-traditional absinthe doesn't feature prominent anise or wormwood, but still resembles absinthe at its core, representing a fun exploration of the boundaries of the style. But there's a reason absinthe is often added to a cocktail in the form of a rinse: Its . Herbsaint Herbsaint is a liqueur that is heavy in star anise and is commonly used in mixology to add a crisp and sharp finish to cocktails. Ricard, Herbsaint, or anisette are all substitutes for Pernod. Which is when pastis slid into the market sort of. If you cant find a bottle of Pernod or Pastis at your liquor store, Herbsaint is another good option. Come along for the ride! Rattlesnake: Similar to a whiskey sour, this cocktail gets extra kick from an absinthe rinse in the glass. When absinthe was banned in France in 1915, the major absinthe producers (then Pernod and Ricard, who have since merged as Pernod Ricard . In a food processor combine the fennel, leeks, parsley, scallions, celery, ketchup, spinach, salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, anise, Worcestershire and Herbsaint. Green Beast Blackthorn Irish Standard Wormwood Rye Whiskey Neighborhood. It has a very high alcohol contentaround 45% to 74% ABV, or 90 to 148 proofwhich is double that of most spirits. Its fine to drink on its own, while a little water and sugar will add candied flavors of cinnamon, lime and licorice. The results are a muscular, big-bodied absinthe that unfolds with hefty doses of anise, blasts of fresh spearmint and some hints of white pepper. People looking for an alcohol-free option can use fresh fennel or aniseed extract. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Not only is absinthe a complex and versatile spirit, but so are the tools that you can use to prepare it! But you dont because you associate it with other things and ideas. The licorice undertones of Pernod make it a versatile flavoring agent. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For other readers who may not know, this liqueur is pronounced 'PER NO" this liqueur is Anise (liquorish) flavored. Some brands go a different direction, though, and offer pastis that is clear or light blue in color. Add plenty of ice, and stir for about 30 seconds. Ha! Required fields are marked *. The following five anise liqueurs are excellent substitutes when a recipe calls for Absinthe. The oldest anise liqueur in France, Pernod is made from distillates of star anise, fennel and 14 other botanicals such as coriander and mint. It is spicy and vegetal with notes of fennel, black licorice candy and white pepper. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It is likely the 1899 recipe actually included absinthe, for which Herbsaint later became a substitute. Youll need to replace the liquid in the dish or it may be too dry. Allow the mixture to infuse in a jar or bottle for 2-3 days and the end result will work as a replacement for Pernod. For anyone that wants something in the ballpark that is less expensive, this is a feasible option. Its best to start by using half the amount the recipe calls for. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. However, Pernod contains a high-level of sugar elements such as syrups. Its described as either herbal, grassy, and peppery, or fruitier with a hint of grappa, depending on the makeup. Actually, I think there's a bigger difference than others are saying. Until 2007, absinthe wasnt legal in the United States. If youre looking for a replacement to drink, Ricard and Pernod are both unsuitable for drinking neat. That is the effect absinthe has, and that is why it drives men mad. Though both drinks have similar flavor profiles, there are some key differences between them to be aware of. Cocktails Welcome to the eG Forums, a service of the eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters. Sambuca is the sweetened anise-flavored liqueur of Italy, served neat or with water. Coloring (usually a caramel color) is commonly added as well which gives it that deep amber hue. Molinari Sambuca, established in 1945, is perhaps the best-known sambuca brand. Absinthes many names reflect its sordid past and questionable reputation. Herbsaint frapp Pour two ounces of Herbsaint into a thin six-ounce glass. See what you can find in the "ai. This difference is attributed to how its made: while sugar is often added to poor quality absinthe to make it more palatable, its a key component in uniting all of the flavors present in pastis. Whereas absinthe is made with green anise and wormwood, pastis gets its flavor from star anise, fennel and licorice. Pernod is a brand of pastis, a licorice-flavored liqueur. Pernod's sweetness is going to compete with the sugar in the drink. But with 6 drops in your zombie or jet pilot is not going to make or break it. Sambuca is also available in different flavors, such as menthol and coffee. In cooking, Herbsaint provides a delicious anise flavor and aroma. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Pastis didnt actually see a surge in popularity for some 17 years, as France banned not only absinthe but all anise-based spirits. Pernod has a low liquorice content, which sets it apart from pastises like Ricard and Pastis 51 which have a pronounced liquorice flavour. The base spirit is a brandy made from Chardonnay grapes, which gives a pungent dried peach aroma and slightly citrusy flavor that isn't present in the absinthes that employ a neutral grain or beet base. Place the sugar on a slotted spoon balanced on the rim of a glass. Brandy & Herbsaint Milk Punch. 4 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Pernod is another anise-flavored apritif that was first produced by the Pernod Fils distillery (the other half of Pernod Ricard.). Simply drizzle water into the absinthe from a glass or carafe to recreate the effect at home. It adds a warming, licorice flavor that helps offset any fishy aroma. Still produced today (it is actually owned by the Sazerac Company), the liqueur has become a staple ingredient in the New Orleans Sazerac. Like any alcohol, it loses its intensity as it is cooked so dont add it too early if youre slow-cooking food. ; ( 504 ) 524-4114. During the absinthe ban, Swiss bootleggers kept their absinthe clear in order to pass it off as a different spirit. The waiter came in and began watering the sawdust.The most wonderful flowers, tulips, lilies and roses, sprang up, and made a garden in the cafe. Some focus on making ultra-traditional versions, while others experiment with indigenous herbs like stinging nettle, meadowsweet and lemon thyme to create new, uniquely flavored domestic absinthes. Most absinthe was and is already under that threshold, so the law clarification essentially made all absinthe legal again for the first time since 1912. There are other liqueurs you could try. I kinda figure it falls into the background? Pernod is made from distillates of star anise and fennel, married with distillates of 14 herbs including camomile, coriander and veronica. In this article, were going to look at the differences between absinthe and two other popular anise-flavored drinks: pastis and Pernod. It is clear greenish-ambor colour that you can see . Much like pastis, adding water to Pernod anise results in an ouzo effect that is very fun to watch! It has a low liquorice content, which sets it apart from pastis. That all sounds perfectly civilized. Val-de-Travers is also home to some of the best wormwood in the world. The higher proof and dryness will make perfect sense to you once you try it. Herbsaint was the cheapest absinthe-adjacent product at my favorite liquor store, so Ill just have it forever I guess. Popular brands of ouzo today include Metaxa, Ouzo 12, Pilavas, and Barbayannis. USA- Similar to absinthe, this anise-flavored liqueur has been made in New Orleans since 1934 and is known for its unique slightly bitter, woody flavor and hot peppery finish. So youre actually more likely to get alcohol poisoning than experience any type of psychedelic visions if you drink too much of the stuff. Pernod is made primarily of star anise and also includes ingredients like licorice root and fennel. ; Grits arrive with Cajun shrimp, tasso, mushrooms . Cool. Pastis and Pernod may be somewhat similar to absinthe (since they were introduced as substitutes), but they are not the same thing. The anise is still present in about the same dose, but the taste doesn't have as much of a bitter metallic twang on the finish. If you use the Sazerac Companys rye whiskey and this liqueur for your Sazerac, youve created a truly authentic Big Easy cocktail. I'd use Herbsaint Original, it's made from the 1930s formula with whole herbs, as opposed to an oil mix like Pernod Pastis. Since Pernod is a pastis it is lacking wormwood and green anise, instead it uses the milder star anise. Absinthe is a household name, as lauded for its anise-and-wormwood licorice kick as its sordid history. You can always add more if needed. Personally, I keep both stocked at all times. Hardly any bitterness appears, making it a great introduction to absinthe for people who are hesitant about pungent anise. 3 /r/tiki . But pastis, lighter than absinthe and often consumed louched over ice, is considered smoother and more mellow than other anise spirits. Herbsaint is a James Beard award winning restaurant (2007) and consistently one of the 10 best of New Orleans restaurants since 2003. A more potent option is Lebanons arak, also seen as arrack throughout the Middle East. I probably should have bought a small bottle of Absinth. Pretty damned boring battle, people. If i had to go with one, i would get a mini bottle of absinthe. People usually need a Pernod substitute because they dont want to buy a whole bottle for one recipe. The re-formulation tastes like a more upscale, refined version of what made the last iteration of Pernod a classic, with the same botanicals like melissa (an herb in the mint family also known as lemon balm), minty hyssop, and savory fennel. Its easy to confuse absinthe with pastis. The aroma wafts with oak, orange, toffee and herbs, and the flavor features vanilla and oak from the aging process that mingle playfully with fennel and absinthe, creating an almost creamy, warming absinthe that feels perfect for chilly evenings. Spains Chinchn is an anise liqueur produced in Chinchn near Madrid. Hardly any bitterness appears, making it a great introduction to absinthe for people who are hesitant about pungent anise. After creating or sourcing a neutral base, a distiller infuses it with fennel, anise and wormwood. General FAQs Why was absinthe banned? An Italian specialty is serving a shot with coffee beans three, to be exact a preparation known as con la mosca, or with the fly.. At the end of the day, its more about what flavor YOU prefer. It tastes refreshing with tonic water and an orange peel. - Hunter S. Thompson, After the first glass of absinthe you see things as you wish they were. The absinthe was also produced by Pernod Ricard. In late 2013, Pernod Ricard announced a re-launch of its original Pernod Absinthe formula ($68 for 750 mL), re-created based on records from the 1800s. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. Can I use Wormwood bitters instead of Herbsaint? Legendre Herbsaint is an anise flavoured spirit. The producers start by making a house wine from honey and apples from an old family recipe, which they then distill into the base for the blanche absinthe. United States. 4 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters. As the primary way of serving Absinthe is to sweeten it lightly and add water, I think of Pastis as a pre-mixed Absinthe drip. When you have absinthe, its meant to be appreciated for the drink of art that it is so slowly sip your absinthe while appreciating its fine and elegantly subtle qualities (instead of slamming it with ice like pastis). Pontarlier: A town in Eastern France where the primary industry is herbal liquor distillation. If you haven't tried it you must. Geographic Denomination of Chinchn was recognized in 1989. Anise, or aniseed, is a plant whose seed is used in European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine, while star anise is a plant native to China.). All should be used in moderation. Chop the bulb and stalks into suitably sized pieces and cook it with the other ingredients to add aniseed flavor to your meal. Best substitutes for Barenjager in cocktails. Muddle until sugar is . If youre not in a hurry, a cheap way to make a Pernod is to combine one cup of vodka with a tablespoon of anise seeds. While it might not make you see pink elephants or melting walls, absinthe is still seriously potent. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The results are completely unique. At home, I pull Herbsaint, absinthes, and pastises by the barspoon for the herbal accent. In fact, theres no scientific proof thujone actually causes hallucinations, even in high doses. The Society is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the culinary arts. Using a unaged brandy as the base, its infused with an amalgam of herbs, including wormwood, fennel and star anise. This creates a milky white cocktail that is a bit diluted but still tastes like absinthe. Its delicate and floral for an absinthe, and works well both in an absinthe drip and in cocktails. The Herbsaint is divine and being from New Orleans it brings memories of home. It is crucial to use high quality spirits, and the bottles you use will change the flavor of the cocktail. Czech Republic: The absinthe made in the Czech Republic is called bohemian-style absinth (no e) and often set on fire when served. Distilled in Pontarlier, Francewhich is hailed as the capital of absinthe and the source of some of the finest wormwood in the worldthis absinthe is incredibly complex and flavorful with bright citrus notes and a strong herbal backbone. In 2007, the United States lifted its absinthe ban, returning the spirit to cocktail menus, which for years had subbed in Herbsaint and Pernod. In cooking recipes, fennel is a useful non-alcoholic Pernod replacement. In a second Old-Fashioned glass place the sugar cube and add the Peychaud's Bitters to it, then crush the sugar cube. I've started keeping it in my room and filling the dropper bottle with it. Split the rye whiskey with an equal part of cognac. Made from a neutral grain spirit base and a peaceful collection of star anise, green anise, peppermint, licorice, and lemon balm, the blanche is soft and light-bodied, demure and floral. While there is no shortage of interesting and curious accessories to help you prepare your absinthe, the balancier is possibly one of the most unique. I cannot really justify purchasing both, and I think Absinthe is a more useful spirit in general. I made sure to ask for an indoor table but since the weather was so nice, we asked if we could sit outside on the patio. Pernod is a liqueur that gets its licorice taste from mild-tasting star anise. In many cooking recipes where you dont care about the licorice flavor, the acidity of white wine makes a delicious alternative. Pastis and the French game petanque are a classic match. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This mixture is blended together with sugar syrup until it reaches the desired consistency and flavor. The . Legendre. According to Gonzlez Byass, Chinchons exclusive distributor, the distillate is made using Matalahuga green anise sourced from Seville, Spain, and uses a 17th-century production method. You can find it in liquor stores and bars across the country, and its one of the best commercial absinthes that you can buy. From the Middle East to the Mediterranean, as well as central Europe, nations around the world make anise spirits and liqueurs, each similar yet simultaneously celebrated for their distinct cultural significance. Tiki culture is a celebration of tropical escapism. Fill the glass three-quarters full with cracked ice. To retain the whisky flavor in your food, add it towards the end of cooking. Other liqueurs that have a predominant anise flavour are: Sambuca, Arack . Yet, absinthe is far from the only anise-flavored spirit. Just like in Europe where absinthe has been consumed for hundreds of years, there's now a steady stream of good absinthe emerging from producers in the U.S. Today the category spans a wide range, with some bottlings pushing the definition of how an absinthe tastes. Almost a century after absinthe was outlawed, lawmakers came to their senses and realized the green spirit was no more harmful than any other liquor, and the ban was lifted. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. A good all-round alternative for savory cooking. Most traditional absinthes start with a neutral base spirit, though some nouveau brands have experimented with all types of bases. Take a top hat. Vieux Pontarlier: Citrusy and herbal with a strong fennel note, this absinthe tastes as traditional as it gets. It is made with anise and other herbs, and it has a sweet, licorice-like flavor. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. SPIRITS STYLE. Beyond that, we'll also look at the conflicted history and culture behind absinthe.Ever since I first tasted it, absinthe has become a big part of my life. Private party facilities. Based on a 1935 recipe developed by Charlotte Vaucher (a famous absinthe moonshiner), distiller Claude-Alain Bugnon began making the blanche La Clandestine ($84.99 for 750 mL) in Couvet, Switzerland in 2000, while absinthe production was still illegal. The distinction lies more within the brands recipes themselves and not the actual type of drink that they are. Today were looking at one of my favorite tools for preparing the perfect glass of How to Use a Balancier (SeeSaw Dripper) to Prepare Absinthe. I bought a small bottle of absinthe, and, well, its going to last just as long lol. Formerly known as Ridge Distillers, Vilya Spirits in Montana makes two absinthesa blanche and a verte. Ingredients: 5 Serves: 1 Nutrition information Advertisement ingredients Units: US 1 teaspoon simple syrup 2 ounces Herbsaint 4 dashes Angostura bitters 4 dashes of peychaud's bitters water directions Fill an Old Fashioned glass with cracked ice and build with the above ingredients. 7 reviews. These curious devices are also known as Absinthe Fiend is a blog dedicated to the love of absinthe and the infamously enchanting Green Fairy.As an avid absintheur since 2008, I am here to answer your questions about this hypnotizing beverage and provide tips and recipes to prepare for yourself. The liqueur is green and herbaceous, with dominant anise and licorice notes. Pernod is a type of pastis, so finding another variety makes sense as a replacement. Absinthe vs Herbsainte vs Pernod, etc I have seen recipes that specify absinthe and others that specify Pernod or Herbsainte. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC, Bartenders: Now's Your Chance To Experience Barbados, All the Anise Spirits That Arent Absinthe, Explained | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/anise-spirits-absinthe-guide/, wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Arak, wbs_type Ouzo, wbs_type Pastis, wbs_type Raki, wbs_type Sambuca, wbs_brand Chinchn, wbs_brand Gonzlez Byass, wbs_brand Luxardo, wbs_brand Molinari, wbs_brand Pernod Ricard, absinthe, anise spirits, arak, chinchon, liqueur, ouzo, pastis, raki, sambuca, The Best Pairing for Aged Wine Is Already in Your Glass | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/best-pairing-aged-wine/, wbs_cat Wine, aged wine, food pairing, vintage, Wine, wine pairing. Anisette is a clear anise-flavored liqueur that is excellent for mixing into drinks like Marie Julep, Mojito, or French Mule. Based on the original recipe that Pernod created in 1805, this spirit uses a grape eau de vie and grand wormwood from Pontarlier, France. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. For those who arent in a hurry and want a cheap replacement. Customers Also Viewed $69.99 750ML Pernod Anise 750ML $37.99 750ML Absente Liqueur 750ML $49.99 750ML Mata Hari Absinthe 750ML $39.99 750ML Herbsaint Original Formula Anise Liqueur 750ML $39.99 750ML Versinthe Absinthe Superior 750ML Not a deal-breaker if youre cooking, but a mixologist seeking perfection may not like the result. Pastis. Pour into a large punch bowl with a large block of ice and serve cold, topped with freshly grated nutmeg. The differences in their ingredients influence the flavor and color of either beverage, with absinthe being clear and having a green hue while pastis is typically a type of amber, caramel color. Pull up a chair, sip your Mai Tai, and study the tsantsa-covered ceiling while listening to the sounds of the Hukilau. When the prohibition of milder anise-based spirits (aka everything except absinthe) was finally lifted in 1932, Paul Ricard (who would eventually become the Ricard half of Pernod Ricard) was ready to fill the absinthe-fountain-sized hole in Frances heart with his pastis. Do use Herbsaint, if you can find it, or - even better - a proper absinthe. Lets have no rivalry between these fair cousins! Letherbee Distillers' Charred Oak Absinthe Brun ($40 for 375 mL) is more than just an absinthe of a different color. It's a curious medium-bodied absinthe that tastes deep and complex with a unique mix of black tea, cumin, floral citrus, and minty eucalyptus flavors that somehow work in harmony. Marseilles: Marseilles is the home of Ricard, which is perhaps the most famous brand of pastis, and it is the spirits primary production region. Sazerac: Another drink made with an absinthe rinse, this rye-based cocktail is a New Orleans favorite and has experienced a resurgence in recent years. But was it really the driving force behind making them do crazy things like chop off an ear or commit murder? This is a common way to enjoy the drink over ice, usually alongside a meze platter or meal. Some less reputable producers will add artificial colorings, but thats not real absinthe, if you ask us. Herbsaint is a wonderful substitute for Galliano, and people use it in mixology all the time. Pernod will have a more subtle rounded flavor of anise or licorice to most palates. Because of its high alcohol percentage, it was made illegal in the United States in 1912, only to be made legal again in 2007. Classics like risotto or paella are excellent with half a cup of wine added. I love making all sorts of crazy recipes from Beachbum Berry Remixed, and lots of them call for a few drops, a splash, or more of "Pernod", and rarely, if ever, call for Absinthe. The infamous spirit even made its way into New Orleans' legendary cuisine, appearing as a flavoring in Antoine's famous oysters Rockefeller. Herbsaint is a brand name for anise flavored liqueur. Regardless of how you drink it, here are some of the best absinthes out on the market today, from traditional-style bottlings from France to boundary-pushing expressions made in the States. Karen D. Penrod (Wife) appeals the judgment of the trial court holding the Antenuptial Agreement entered into between Wife and William J. Penrod (Husband) is valid. Its labels include the traditional Chinchn, Chinchn Sweet, and Chinchn Dry. A deep greenish brown, flavor is a deep and rich licorice character, not overly sweet and surprisingly unboozy despite being 100 proof. Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte: Leopold Brothers makes their absinthe in Denver using a base of Chilean pisco. Lemon peel for garnish. The green torment. You May Also Enjoy. This and other bottlings from the area tend to be even herbier than their coastal brethren. But the anti-absinthe campaigns worked, and by 1915, it was banned in America and most of Europe. $39.96. Would something simple like Absinthe Ordinaire work, should I go for something higher quality like St. George, or is Pernod different enough that it is a requirement on its own. Which is a liquor vs. absinthe which is a distilled spirit. Its a good option in sweet desserts and baked goods like cakes and cookies. Drinking any pastis straight can be a jolt; you have to dilute it. Coca-Cola isnt Pepsi, but theyre both still sodas! An alcohol-free way to get aniseed flavor into food. For a few drops in a tiki drink, I don't think it makes a difference. Related reading: Simply pour the wine into ice cube trays and once frozen, pop them into a ziplock bag for the next time you cook with alcohol. Herbsaint was created by Reginald Parker and J.M. Molinaris recipe is safely guarded, but is said to include star anise oils from China and sugar and wheat for grain spirit sourced throughout Europe. 6 drops a weekforever. Val-de-Travers: Absinthes 18th-century birth place, Val-de-Travers is a region of Switzerland that extends from Lake Neuenburg to the French border. Some scholars say absinthe made with a wine or grape base will taste naturally superior to those made with neutral grains or beets, and while that might not be the case across the board anymore, Germain-Robin Absinthe Superieure from Greenway Distillers ($50 for 375 mL) makes a strong case for the argument. Quick and easy choice for desserts and mocktails. It's a longing for the time when Pacific islands were still exotic locales that inspired Donn Beach and Trader Vic to create their own versions back home. At this stage, the absinthe is clear. The clear version is now considered the countrys traditional style. Just use whatever youre most likely to have on hand. Richard G. Steele, 3113 Independence, P.O. 701 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130. Pernod Absinthe Original Recipe: This absinthe is made using a brandy base and wormwood from Pontarlier, France.