December 31, 2007

Green Fairy Tale

St. George Spirits Absinthe Verte

Resolution No. 1: be more open-minded.

Why not start early by inviting the Green Fairy to your NYE soiree?

Best known for their Hangar One vodkas, St. George Spirits just launched Absinthe Verte, the first domestically produced absinthe since the U.S. ban in 1912.

The liquor is made by distilling star anise, fennel, and, yes, the magical wormwood. The concoction is then infused with herbs like mint, lemon balm, and opal basil. If scientific claims made by the local distillers are correct, it could cause your synapses to fire fast enough to kick-start the great American novel or set you to can-canning a la Montmartre until Tuesday.

For a bubbly sipper with kick, try Hemingway’s favorite cocktail: one part absinthe with five parts champagne. As you add the cold champers, your glass turns an eerie, milky emerald as the essential oils get shocked out of suspension.

Have a nice trip; see you next year.

For a list of stores, go to stgeorgespirits.com.