How To Make Absinthe With Wormwood At Home?

Wormwood is considered a "miracle herb" that aids digestion, reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and boosts immunity. Besides its conventional uses, many consumers seek ways to turn it into a recreational drink that also promotes health: absinthe. In this article, we will guide you on how to make absinthe with wormwood at home using simple ingredients.

What Is Absinthe?

Absinthe, often referred to as "the Green Fairy," is a high-proof herbal spirit distilled from various herbs, primarily wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). This drink is noted for its distinctive green color and unique flavor, with an alcohol content ranging from 90 to 148 proof, with some varieties reaching up to 179 proof.

Due to its high alcohol content, absinthe is typically diluted with ice water and accompanied by a bit of sugar to soften the taste and enhance the complex aroma.

What Does Absinthe Taste Like?

Absinthe is renowned for its strong and complex flavor, providing a unique experience for drinkers. Upon tasting, you will notice distinctive notes of fennel and anise, akin to the flavor of licorice. This may appeal to many, but the intense aftertaste can be off-putting for some.

The Origin of Absinthe

It's difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of absinthe. However, the most famous origin traces back to the medicinal use of wormwood in ancient Egypt. Wormwood was recorded in the Ebers Papyrus around 1550 BC and was used by ancient Greeks for medicinal purposes. Evidence suggests that wormwood-flavored wine, known as absinthites oinos, existed in Greek culture. Another origin story claims that wormwood was first used in 1792 when a French doctor, Pierre Ordinaire, developed a formula and passed it on to the Henriod sisters in Couvet, Switzerland.

Absinthe gained popularity in the mid-19th century, particularly among European artists and intellectuals, but was criticized for its negative health impacts. The anti-absinthe movement culminated in the early 20th century, leading to its prohibition in many countries. After decades, countries began re-evaluating the ban, with Switzerland lifting it in 2003 and France in 2011. Today, absinthe has made a comeback in bars worldwide, albeit with lingering caution due to its controversial history.

How To Make Absinthe From Wormwood At Home?

Here’s a guide to making absinthe at home with a proof of 95:

Ingredients to Prepare

• Wormwood: 35 grams
• Anise seeds: 35 grams
• Star anise: 8 grams
• Fennel seeds: 4 grams
• Angelica root: 8 grams
• Hyssop: 4 grams
• Coriander: 4 grams
• Cardamom pods: 4 pods
• Nutmeg: ½ nut
• Alcohol (Strong spirits like Vodka or according to taste)
• Equipment: 1 glass bottle, 1 strainer or cloth bag, 1 dark storage container

Note: Wormwood, anise, and fennel are essential for creating the distinctive flavor of absinthe. It’s advisable to buy all the ingredients separately and mix them at home for the best results. This will also help you control the quality and desired alcohol concentration.

Top 3 Wormwood Absinthe Recipes

Recipe 1: Infusion

1. Add ⅓ cup of the herbal mixture to 750ml of your chosen alcohol.
2. Place the mixture in a bottle and store for 2 weeks to 2 months to achieve the desired alcohol concentration.
3. Infuse the wormwood in vodka for a few days to create the infusion.
4. After the storage time, strain out the herbs and retain the liquid.
5. Pour the brown liquid into a pot and distill it. This step will help eliminate bitterness and reduce alcohol concentration.
6. Add the infusion from step 3 to the distilled alcohol. You can also add water to dilute the distilled alcohol.

Recipe 2: Oil Mixing

1. Place alcohol in a glass bottle, add wormwood, and seal it with a cork. Keep the mixture for 1 month.
2. Note: Shake the bottle a few times every few days.
3. Grind the herbal mixture using a mortar and pestle. You can use a dedicated grinder if you want to produce a larger quantity.
4. After 1 month, strain the liquid to remove the herbs.
5. Add the ground herbal mixture to the liquid. This will enhance the color and aroma of the absinthe.
6. Place the liquid and herbs in a bottle to steep for another month, ensuring to shake it a few times.
7. After 1 month, you can enjoy the absinthe, diluted with water or ice as desired.

Recipe 3: The 1855 Absinthe Recipe [1]

1. Infuse a mixture of 2.5 kg of dried wormwood, 5 kg of anise, and 5 kg of fennel in 95 liters of 85% ethanol for at least 12 hours.
2. Add 45 liters of water to the mixture and heat it. Here, you will obtain 95 liters of distillate.
3. Add 1 kg of Roman wormwood, 1 kg of hyssop, and 500 grams of mint to 40 liters of the distillate. Extract at a moderate temperature, then distill and combine it with the remaining 55 liters of distillate.
4. Dilute with water to create about 100 liters of absinthe with a final concentration of 74%.

Conclusion

In summary, when consumed responsibly, absinthe can be a natural remedy to enhance health. We hope you now know how to make absinthe with wormwood easily and simply using just basic ingredients and a bit of patience. Experiment and adjust the recipe to find the flavor that suits your preferences best. Enjoy the exciting experience and savor the product you’ve created yourself!