Absinthe Drip Cocktail Drink

Absinthe Drip

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you craving something different? This Absinthe Drip recipe is ideal! Use simple ingredients to make this cocktail and delight in its flavor.

Absinthe Drip Recipe

Warm up with this simple Absinthe Drip recipe! Mix absinthe, a sugar cube, and ice-cold water to create an ideal fall drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

97 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Absinthe
  • 1 sugar cube
  • Ice-cold water
  • Ice cubes, optional

Equipment

  • Absinthe Glass or Old Fashioned Glass
  • Absinthe Spoon or Slotted Spoon
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Add Absinthe: Pour 1 oz Absinthe into your chosen glass.
  • Place Sugar Cube: Position 1 sugar cube on an absinthe spoon or slotted spoon and place it over the glass.
  • Drip Water: Slowly drip Ice-cold water over the sugar cube until it dissolves and the drink reaches your desired dilution (the absinthe should turn milky white).
  • Stir Gently: Use the spoon to stir the mixture gently and add ice if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Absinthe: If you don't have absinthe, you can use pastis or ouzo as alternatives. They both offer a similar anise flavor but with different nuances. I've also tried using Pernod, which works well too.
  • Sugar Cube: Granulated sugar or simple syrup can be used if you run out of sugar cubes. Just make sure to adjust the amount to taste.
  • Ice-cold Water: If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, try sparkling water instead of still water. It adds a subtle effervescence to the drink.

Making it Vegan:

  • Sugar Cube Substitute: Ensure that your sugar cubes are vegan-friendly. Some sugars are processed with bone char, so look for certified vegan sugar.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using vegan-friendly sugar cubes to enjoy a vegan version of this classic cocktail.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
97
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
5
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Potassium
 
0.5
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%

 

Absinthe Drip Cocktail Drink

Absinthe Drip Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Warm up with this simple Absinthe Drip recipe! Mix absinthe, a sugar cube, and ice-cold water to create an ideal fall drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 97

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Absinthe
  • 1 sugar cube
  • Ice-cold water
  • Ice cubes - optional

Equipment

  • Absinthe Glass or Old Fashioned Glass
  • Absinthe Spoon or Slotted Spoon
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Add Absinthe: Pour 1 oz Absinthe into your chosen glass.
  • Place Sugar Cube: Position 1 sugar cube on an absinthe spoon or slotted spoon and place it over the glass.
  • Drip Water: Slowly drip Ice-cold water over the sugar cube until it dissolves and the drink reaches your desired dilution (the absinthe should turn milky white).
  • Stir Gently: Use the spoon to stir the mixture gently and add ice if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Absinthe: If you don't have absinthe, you can use pastis or ouzo as alternatives. They both offer a similar anise flavor but with different nuances. I've also tried using Pernod, which works well too.
  • Sugar Cube: Granulated sugar or simple syrup can be used if you run out of sugar cubes. Just make sure to adjust the amount to taste.
  • Ice-cold Water: If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, try sparkling water instead of still water. It adds a subtle effervescence to the drink.

Making it Vegan:

  • Sugar Cube Substitute: Ensure that your sugar cubes are vegan-friendly. Some sugars are processed with bone char, so look for certified vegan sugar.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using vegan-friendly sugar cubes to enjoy a vegan version of this classic cocktail.

What is an Absinthe Drip?

An Absinthe Drip is an absinthe-based drink made of absinthe, a sugar cube, and ice-cold water. It’s not difficult to make; drip cold water over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon until it dissolves into the absinthe. This process creates a fascinating louche effect, where the clear green liquid turns milky white as the essential oils in the absinthe emulsify with water.

A side shot of an Absinthe Drip cocktail in an absinthe glass on a cork coaster placed on a brown placemat surrounded by an absinthe spoon, three sugar cubes and water in a bottle

What is an Absinthe Drip made of – The ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for an Absinthe Drip:

  • Absinthe: Provides the primary flavor, characterized by its strong anise and herbal notes.
  • Sugar Cube: Adds sweetness to balance the bitterness and intensity of the absinthe.
  • Ice-cold Water: Dilutes the absinthe and sugar, creating the signature louche effect.

Absinthe, sugar cubes and water laid out on a white bar table

How do you make an Absinthe Drip?

Make an Absinthe Drip by following our clear instructions:

1
<p>Pour absinthe into your absinthe glass.</p>

Pour absinthe into your absinthe glass.

2
<p>Place an absinthe spoon or slotted spoon over the glass.</p>

Place an absinthe spoon or slotted spoon over the glass.

3
<p>Place a sugar cube on the absinthe spoon or slotted spoon.</p>

Place a sugar cube on the absinthe spoon or slotted spoon.

4
<p>Slowly drip ice-cold water over the sugar cube, letting it dissolve into the absinthe.</p>

Slowly drip ice-cold water over the sugar cube, letting it dissolve into the absinthe.

5
<p>Add water until the drink reaches your desired dilution and the absinthe turns milky white.</p>

Add water until the drink reaches your desired dilution and the absinthe turns milky white.

6
<p>Stir the mixture gently with the spoon to ensure everything is well combined.</p>

Stir the mixture gently with the spoon to ensure everything is well combined.

7
<p>Finally, add ice if you prefer</p>

Finally, add ice if you prefer

History and Origin of the Absinthe Drip

The Absinthe Drip cocktail dates back to the 19th century in France. People created it to enjoy absinthe, a popular spirit known for its strong anise flavor and high alcohol content. Artists and writers in Parisian cafes often drank absinthe, believing it sparked creativity. The ritual of slowly dripping water over a sugar cube into the absinthe became a social activity, adding to the drink’s allure. This method diluted the potent spirit and released its complex flavors and aromas, making drinking more enjoyable.

An Absinthe Drip cocktail, shot from above, in an absinthe glass on a white marmol surface surrounded by absinthe, sugar cubes, water, and an absinthe spoon

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FAQ

How many calories are in an Absinthe Drip?
An Absinthe Drip typically contains around 100-150 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and absinthe used.
How strong is an Absinthe Drip?
An Absinthe Drip usually has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 20%, which translates to 40 proof, depending on the Absinthe brand.
What alcohol is used in an Absinthe Drip?
The primary alcohol in an Absinthe Drip is absinthe, a spirit known for its high alcohol content and strong anise flavor.
In which glass do you serve an Absinthe Drip?
You typically serve an Absinthe Drip in an Absinthe or old-fashioned glass.
What does an Absinthe Drip taste like?
An Absinthe Drip has a complex flavor profile with strong notes of anise, herbs, and a subtle sweetness from the sugar cube.
What is the ratio for making an Absinthe Drip?
The standard ratio for making an Absinthe Drip is one sugar cube, one part absinthe and three to five parts ice-cold water, adjusted to taste.
How do you serve an Absinthe Drip?
Serve an Absinthe Drip straight up or over ice cubes in an absinthe glass or old fashioned.
Why do you use a sugar cube in an Absinthe Drip?
You use a sugar cube to balance the bitterness and intensity of the absinthe, adding a touch of sweetness to the drink.
Can you make an Absinthe Drip without special tools?
Yes, you can make it without special tools by using a regular spoon instead of an absinthe spoon.(you will probably have to flip it over at one point to avoid over dilution)

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