What is La Fée Verte?
La Fée Verte, which means “The Green Fairy,” is a classic Absinthe cocktail that has its roots in Europe. It is a strong, green-colored drink that is typically served in its original form with a tall glass of ice cold water and a spoonful of white sugar. The cocktail is enjoyed all over the world, and has been referenced in literature and popular culture throughout history.
Absinthe, also known as “The Green Fairy,” is a distilled alcoholic beverage made with botanicals, including the flowers of wormwood, fennel, and anise. It was once banned in many countries due to its reportedly hallucinogenic and dangerous effects. The bans have since been lifted and it is now available in many parts of the world.
How to make the Classic La Fée Verte Cocktail
Making the classic La Fée Verte cocktail is fairly simple, but it does involve a few special ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
-Absinthe: You’ll need at least a few ounces of this high-proof spirit.
-Ice: You’ll need enough to fill your glass or whichever type of cup you’re using to mix the cocktail.
-Lemon juice: You’ll need at least one lemon wedge’s worth of juice.
-Bitters: Angostura bitters are the most popular choice, but any type of aromatized bitters will do.
-Simple syrup: Also known as sugar syrup, this ingredient adds a sweet and syrupy consistency to the cocktail.
-Soda water: This helps give the cocktail a lighter and bubbly texture.
Instructions for Making the Classic La Fée Verte Cocktail
1) Start by filling a rocks glass with plenty of crushed ice.
2) Add 3 ounces of absinthe to the glass, along with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
3) Squeeze the lemon wedge into the glass and add the simple syrup.
4) Stir everything together with a spoon until all the ingredients are combined.
5) Top off the cocktail with a splash of soda water or tonic, depending on personal preference.
6) Garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon, or whatever else you’d like.
Additional Variations and Tips
The classic La Fée Verte cocktail is a great way to enjoy the uniqueness of absinthe, especially when served with a bit of sugar and a tall glass of ice cold water. But there are many other ways to enjoy this tasty beverage.
Here are a few variations you can try:
-Add 1-2 ounces of herbal liqueur, such as Bénédictine or St Germain, to the glass for a more complex flavor.
-Experiment with different types of bitters and stir in a few drops of your favorite flavoring, such as orange bitters or cardamom bitters.
-Swap out the simple syrup for honey or a sugar cube and muddle it in with the other ingredients.
-Add a few fresh fruits and herbs such as strawberries, raspberries, mint, or basil.
-And if you want to make the cocktail a bit lighter, skip the soda water and just use sparkling water instead.
Conclusion
The classic La Fée Verte cocktail is a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of absinthe. It is a strong drink that is best savored slowly with the addition of plenty of ice and a spoonful of sugar. With a few variations, such as adding a few drops of bitters or swapping out the simple syrup for honey, you can make this drink even more delicious. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?
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