![]() These were thought to result in violent and erratic behavior.Ībsinthe was even said to cause physical symptoms, such as facial contractions, numbness, and seizures. In addition to hallucinations, absinthe was also associated with a number of negative psychotropic effects, including mania and psychosis. By then, absinthe had already been banned in the United States and other countries for several decades. It wasn’t until the 1970s, after the rise of psychedelic drugs, that scientists finally started to seriously study thujone and its effects. This led to absinthe often being called the Green Muse or Green Fairy. It made their minds wander, which they equated with expanding their consciousness and inspiring creativity. The green aperitif became legendary in late 19th-century Paris thanks to bohemian artists and writers who reported psychedelic, mind-altering effects. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.Where did the whole hallucination thing come from? Add ice and stir vigorously for 20-25 seconds or until chilled through and diluted to taste. The Brain Duster has existed at different bars under various names throughout cocktail history.Ĭombine all ingredients in a mixing glass. After all, “the United States banned absinthe as more of a preventative measure than anything else,” says Breaux. Though thujone levels are closely regulated, the absinthe sold commercially is close to what you could get before the absinthe ban went into effect. Since 2007, absinthe made with Artemisia absinthium, also known as grande wormwood, has been available legally within the US. Real absinthe isn’t available within the US. In fact, Switzerland and France combined to produce at least 95 percent of the world’s absinthe by the time it reached its peak popularity. The historical record indicates that absinthe originated in this area around the turn of the 19th century. Absinthe originated in Eastern Europe.ĭespite the number of tourists flocking to Eastern Europe to drink whatever green liquid they could find, absinthe is originally Swiss. Since these products don’t louche, they “had to create theatrics to hide it.” 4. In Eastern Europe, artificially green-or blue(ish)-colored vodkas were being marketed and sold as absinthe. Absinthe should be served with a flaming sugar cube.Īs Breaux puts it, “You’ll never find any description, image, or painting from the past showing a flaming sugar cube.” This myth is a more recent concoction. After decades of lobbying, absinthe was banned for its new status as the root of all societal problems. As the most popular spirit in France at the time, it became a target for both the temperance movement and for producers of other spirits who feared for their sales. Countries banned absinthe because it’s hallucinogenic.Ībsinthe isn’t hallucinogenic, so why was it banned? Short answer: its popularity. After a thorough battery of tests, no hallucinogenic compounds were found in any significant amount in any of the absinthe. At the time, the reigning theory was that thujone, a naturally occurring compound in wormwood, caused hallucinations. Using gas chromatography and a mass spectrometer, Breaux and partners tested for any and all known hallucinogenic compounds. Since wormwood isn’t used in many other products, it was an easy target.įourteen years ago, Ted Breaux began testing samples of all the vintage and newly distilled absinthes he could find. Though millions of others drank unadulterated absinthe every day, accounts of hallucinations and violence were treated as being the case for any and all absinthe available. When the effects of long-term consumption kicked in, these individuals would be sent to sanitariums for their symptoms. The low price point of the resulting product meant that it was mainly imbibed by the lower class. When consumed regularly, this mixture could cause copper toxicity and antimony poisoning-both of which can cause hallucinations. Since absinthe was so popular, some producers used industrial-grade non-potable alcohol and flavored it with commercial oil extracts, says Breaux.īoth the oils and the spirits were clear, so the color and clouding effects were artificially created with copper sulfate and antimony trichloride, respectively. ![]() This misconception began in the 19th century when absinthe production wasn’t regulated. Absinthe is hallucinogenic.ĭespite the hype from Hollywood and some brands’ marketing campaigns, absinthe isn’t hallucinogenic. With a little help from research scientist and absinthe expert Ted Breaux, we’ve compiled the five biggest myths about absinthe – and why they aren’t true. Though absinthe is the subject of many nicknames and stories, it’s essentially just an aromatic, high-proof alcohol that has been redistilled with plants and herbs including anise, common wormwood, and fennel. Scared to meet the Green Fairy after a pour of absinthe? Don’t be.
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