The Ritual

Fewer things have such grand ceremony as the preparation of absinthe. The simple process of adding iced water to absinthe is one that is not only practical and symbolic, but also aesthetic. Regardless of practicality, symbolism and aesthetics, this process leaves us mesmerized. The process is known as "The Ritual" or as it is known in French, "La Louche", which translates to "opaque".

Practically, the process of louching absinthe with iced water dilutes the alcohol rich drink, which can range from 45 percent to 75 percent alcohol by volume. In addition to diluting the absinthe, the iced water releases the essential oils of the herbs from which absinthe is made, awaking the Green Fairy.

Symbolically, the process of louching transforms the contents of glass visually making the absinthe look milky and opaque. The figurative connotation is that as the absinthe has been transformed, just as the drinker will be transformed as the absinthe liberates the mind.

Aesthetically, the louching process is a vision that is pleasing to watch, transforming the glass into a stage by which the audience is taken in by the Green fairy. As the water tangos with the essential oils of the absinthe and they come together making a milky, opaque libation, at the same time we see the Green fairy as she dances around the glass and entices us to drink her in.

La Louche

Steps:

1. Beginning with the correct measure of absinthe, usually 1 fluid ounce, generally marked on high quality absinthe glasses.

2. Rest a perforated absinthe spoon atop the glass and place a sugar cube in the center of the spoon.

3. Slowly pour iced water from a absinthe dripper, absinthe fountain, or carafe over the sugar until it completely dissolves. Take a moment and watch the Green fairy as she begins her dance of enticement.

The amount of water used during louching is a matter of personal preference as it dilutes the absinthe. Depending on the strength you desire, the final result should be between one part absinthe and two to four parts iced water. For the connoisseur, the quality of the louche signifies the quality of the absinthe. Using only quality absinthes and quality spring or filtered water will help to preserve the most important part of the ritual, the finish, which is the moment you begin to enjoy your absinthe.