The Art of Mythical Mixology is a cocktail recipe collection intended for enthusiasts and nerds who enjoy cocktails inspired by science fiction, fantasy worlds, literary classics, or world history.
Absinthe and Mythical Mixology
Absinthe saw an exponential surge in its popularity during the late 19th century due to its unique, bittersweet flavor and the Bohemian culture surrounding it. Poets and artists took to evangelizing absinthe as part of their art, inspiring the likes of Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud; Edouard Manet painted an unforgettable portrait depicting an absinthe drinker sitting beside an emerald glass from absinthe by Edouard Manet!
However, The Green Fairy would soon meet her end. A Paris psychiatrist named Valentin Magnan laid all societal issues at its door: both its decadent culture and toxic herbal components–specifically wormwood–were to blame. As a result, absinthe was officially banned.
Since 1990, absinthe has been legal to sell in the US; however, its availability remains limited. Luckily, several innovative producers have developed non-alcoholic versions that replicate absinthe’s taste and appearance and can legally be sold here. Traditional absinthe is typically consumed by pouring water over a sugar cube held by a perforated spoon to produce louche; adding ice water reduces alcohol content further while simultaneously creating an atmospheric fog-like cloud of smokey cloudiness in its place. This entire ritual typically lasts 30 minutes or more and allows time for reflection before swallowing this complex beverage!