Absinthe

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Often referred to as a liqueur it doesn't have sugar in it so is actually a spirit. It is traditionally a lovely green color but may also be colorless. It is referred to in historical literature as la fee verte("the green fairy"). It has an anise flavor and is derived from several different plants including flowers and flowers of Artemisis absinthium or "grand wormwood". Also may have sweet fennel and several medicinal and culinary herbs. It is about 90-148 proof in the U.S. It is bottled traditionally at a high level of alcohol by volume but is usually diluted before it is consumed. It was created in the 18th century in Switzerland by a French doctor and became popular among artists and writers. It was banned for a time in the United States and much of Europe due to the belief that it was dangerously addictive and a hallucinogen. Later studies determined its psychoactive properties were exaggerated. Its lovely green hue intrigues me. I'd like to try some. The image is mine.