Absinthe…. The mystery, the myths, and the intrigue surrounding this spirit is like no other. The lure likely stems from a combination of Absinthe’s tumultuous history and it’s unique, yet highly specific preparation ritual. Absinthe, commonly referred to as La Fee Verte (The Green Fairy) rose to popularity in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By 1915, absinthe had been banned in the United States and in much of Europe due to it’s portrayal as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug. Thujone, a compound present in Absinthe, and found in the grand wormwood (or Artemesia Abinthium – where Absinthe got it’s name) was blamed for the spirit’s alleged dangerous effects. In 2007, after almost a century of prohibition, the ban was overturned, and absinthe was legally imported and distilled in the United States. Today, though no longer considered a harmful drug, Absinthe still piques curiosities, still has a whisper of danger, and has a way of transporting you into the past. With it’s mystique and ritualistic nature, it is no surprise that absinthe often finds itself associated to many dark subcultures.
“Absinthe is the aphrodisiac of the self. The green fairy who lives in the Absinthe wants your soul. But you are safe with me.” ~Dracula by Bram Stoker
So, today, on National Absinthe Day, it seemed fitting to bring those of you, like me, that have an affinity for this alluring drink… an Absinthe Lover’s Gift Guide. Thirty unique gift ideas for those that love Absinthe for it’s taste, it’s smell, it’s ritual, or it’s art. So lather yourself in it, decorate with it, adorn yourself in it, make it, eat it, and then pour yourself a glass and enjoy!
On a side note…. This post contains some affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks! Click HERE for more details.
Bath & Body
Blends of star anise, fennel, cassia, nutmeg, wormwood and other herbal notes create absinthe flavored products to rejuvenate, hydrate, soften, and perfume your body. Relax, and let the Green Fairy pamper you….
1. Absinthe Soap… $7 | Available at SunnyCaliforniaSoap Etsy Shop
image source: SunnyCaliforniaSoap
2. Absinthe Sinfully Moisturizing Body Wash… $12 | Available at Loreworks Etsy Shop
image source: Loreworks
3. Absinthe IX Perfume… $19 | Available at CinisLabs Etsy Shop
image source: CinisLabs
4. Absinthe Bath Bombs… $9.95 | Available at SpaGirlSoaps Etsy Shop
image source: SpaGirlSoaps
5. Absinthe Lip Balm… $8 | Available at PhoenixBotanicals Etsy Shop
image source: PhoenixBotanicals
For the Home
Absinthe images became works of art, thanks to the hordes of propaganda posters…. a battle between a display of exuberance and class while enjoying the spirit… to the grim warnings of a frightening and harmful drug. These images and vintage posters remain popular today. And while there is no shortage of art prints for your walls, here are a few other ways to appreciate the art of absinthe around your home…
6. Absinthe Poster Industrial Night Light… $50 | Available at RomanyCaravan
image source: RomanyCaravan
7. Absinthe Tea Ball Infuser… $9.99 | Available at MeandAnnabelLeeShop Etsy Shop
image source: MeandAnnabelLeeShop
8. Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Throw Pillow by Kristen Wheeler… $29.99+ | Available at Society 6
image source: Society 6
9. Feeling Absinthe Minded Coaster by Alchemy of England… $7.95 | Available at Rebel Circus
image source: Rebel Circus
10. Absinthe Kitchen Towel… $7.20 | Available at SerenityoftheSouth Etsy Shop
image source: SerenityoftheSouth
Style
Much like the home decor, absinthe is popular in fashion apparel and accessories… another common canvas for the vintage art and propaganda. Jewelry, on the other hand, often seems to have a way of expressing the mystic surrounding absinthe… with a dark and mysterious pendant or a vial filled with something secret or sinister…..
11. Absinthe Fairy Necklace by Alchemy of England… $52.95 | Available at Rebel Circus
image source: Rebel Circus
12. Absinthe Cigarette Case… $25 | Available at stellarcustomimages Etsy Shop
image source: stellarcustomimages
13. Android Absinthe Necktie… $24 | Available at binarywinter
image source: binarywinter
14. Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Tee (for Men or Women)… $20 | Available at SNAKEeyes Etsy Shop
image source: SNAKEeyes
15. The Green Fairy’s Essence Vial Necklace… $39.95 | Available at Victorian Trading Co
image source: Victorian Trading Co
Delectables
The primary flavor of Absinthe is Anise, derived from both Star Anise and Fennel. A good absinthe will balance those with other medicinal and culinary herbs, resulting in the taste of licorice and herbal flavors. Whether you would like to try your hand at infusing those herbs yourself, incorporating other flavors and spirits into a unique absinthe cocktail, or just enjoy an Anise flavored confection…here’s a little something for everyone. Of course, we can’t forget one of the most important ingredients to a quality glass of Absinthe… the sugar cube. You may never want a basic cube of sugar after you see these!
16. DIY Absinthe Infusing Kit… $45 | Available at BootlegBotanicals
17. Absinthe Sugar Cube Skulls… $11 | Available at Dembones Etsy Shop
18. Absinthe Fudge with Blanche Neige… $10 | Available at Absinthes.com
image source: Absinthes.com
19. Absinthe Lollipops… $18+ | Available at PamplemousseSucre
image source: PamplemousseSucre
20. Absinthe Cocktails Book by Kate Simon… $9.98+ | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
Accoutrements
The basic, and most popular, ritual for preparing absinthe involves a sugar cube atop a perforated spoon placed on top of a glass filled partially with Absinthe. A fountain filled with ice water slowly drips onto the cube, dissolving it, and diluting the absinthe with the sugar and water. The tools involved in this ritual can range from exuberant to the most basic.. in both price and design, and while there are certainly hundreds of options, I have only chosen a few pieces that exemplify style but moderate prices. For those not interested in buying all of the accessories or performing the steps involved, there are a couple of tools that allow you to prepare a single glass of Absinthe with the same result, but far less hoopla.
21. Lady Absinthe Fountain with Wings… $219.99 | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
22. Absinthe Fountain Royal “Pearl”… $99 | Available at Absinthes.com
image source: Absinthes.com
23. La Fee Verte Absinthe Spoon by Alchemy Gothic… $28.07 | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
24. Wormwood Leaf Absinthe Spoon… $7.99 | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
25. Absinthe Spoon Holder… $49.99 | Available at Absinthe on the Net
image source: Absinthe on the Net
26. Bird Sugar Tongs… $19.99 | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
27. The Wormwood Tree – Absinthe Shot Glass by Alchemy Gothic… $37.07 | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
28. La Fee Verte Tumbler by Alchemy Gothic… $30.04 | Available at Amazon
image source: Amazon
29. Verse-Eau 3 Leg Brouilleur – Single Server… $26.99 | Available at Maison Absinthe
image source: Maison Absinthe
30. SLIPSTREAM Absinthe Fountain Drinking Glass… $54.77 | SlipstreamAbsinthe Etsy Shop
image source: SlipstreamAbsinthe
As a side note… It came to my attention that many of the Must Have Lists and Gift Guides on the blog have really grown in popularity…. so I plan to bring you a few more of those from now on. If you haven’t had a chance to read any, be sure to visit the Devilish Must Haves category from the menu bar…. curated lists of gothic or macabre or just plain curious finds on a multitude of topics… like Gifts Under $30, Must Have Swimwear, Valentine Gifts, and more. If you have a topic or theme you’d like for me to create a gift guide or must have list for, please drop me a comment.. I’m always open to new ideas!
Still lusting over a fountain but oh my… Those. Shot. Glasses.
*Heads to Amazon*
I know… those shot glasses are amazing!!
Thank you for this list, it is excellent! Since I live in JP, absinthe is pretty normal in the bars around here and lately I’ve been enjoying the different brands and tastes of this mysterious drink. I love the ritual of preparing to drinking absinthe and the wonderfully freshness!
Y.E. – Thank you for your comment! So glad you enjoyed the list! I’m jealous you have it so readily available! Absinthe seems to be a bit of a novelty in the bars in my area… I’ve resorted to purchasing my own collection of absinthe to try at home. Can be quite an expensive habit unfortunately!!