Absinthe has a very high alcohol content, and because of this the spirit is traditionally diluted substantially with water before consuming, often to a ratio of 3:1 or perhaps even more, according to taste. There are ancient rituals and traditions associated with the addition of water to absinthe but the latter day theatre of dousing a sugar cube with the spirit and setting it alight is a recent import from Czech Republic and is not to be encouraged, as fire and highly volatile strong spirits are a dangerous combination! Other modern day traditions include placing a sugar cube on an absinthe spoon and dripping water over it into the glass beneath until the cube has dissolved completely. The absinthe spoon is then used as a stirrer to give the drink a final mix before consuming.

When water is added to Absinthe, the lurid green colour of the drink changes into a cloudy, opalescent white before your very eyes. This only happens however when water is added drip by drip, as otherwise the oils found within the drink prevent the drink from mixing correctly. The original way to serve absinthe was to very slowly drip iced-water from a four- tapped receptacle (une fontaine) into a glass filled with a measure of the spirit. Because of the number of taps, several drinks could be prepared at the same time. The glasses would sit beneath the taps from which the iced-water would be dispensed.

The term used to describe the changing colour of Absinthe is “louche”, and a poor louche indicates a poor quality of drink. The louche is the most important ritual involved in the drinking of Absinthe, and of course it is very enjoyable to watch. Hapsburg Absinthe provides a dramatic visual show when water is added, magically changing from green to white as the drips start being added. There have been a number of apparatus designed specifically to enhance the enjoyment of the louche for the spectator. Water fountains and specially designed carafes that are held high above the glass when pouring the water are just a couple of examples. Hapsburg Absinthe is even more enjoyable when traditions and rituals are added into the mix!