Brilliantly Bittersweet Tequila Absinthe Cocktails

The Green Muse, the Green Torment, the Green Fairy… the absinthe is a naughty beast! Absinthe has historically gotten a bad rap.  It was, for a long time, considered a dangerously addictive psychedelic drug. All of the cool cats were into it until it was banned. Thankfully, the general population has come to its senses. And the authorities have realized absinthe’s effects are no different than that of any other alcohol. It has been legalized in the U.S.

On the other hand, we have tequila, which has always been legal. It has few calories, zero carbs, no sugar, and in its purest form, is gluten-free.  Tequila has been thought of as the “nice” alcoholic beverage choice for those who are more health-conscious. But do absinthe and tequila go together?

Why not? Combine the “naughty” and the “nice” together to make a harmoniously scrumptious cocktail!

Tequila Sazerac

This deliciously smooth cocktail is made with tequila, absinthe, agave nectar, and bitters. The absinthe rinse gives this beverage an enthralling licorice flavor! In just five short minutes, it can be enjoying a wild ride down your esophagus!

You will need:

• 2 oz. tequila
• ½ oz. agave nectar
• 2-3 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
• Absinthe for rinsing
• Orange peel for garnish

Rinse a cocktail glass with absinthe, making sure to cover all sides. Dispose of the remaining absinthe. In a mixing glass with ice, combine the rest of the ingredients. Stir well until mixed and chilled. Strain into the rinsed glass. Garnish with orange peel.

Remember, high-quality tequila is best in this recipe because of its 100 percent blue agave content.

Tequila Absinthe Sour

Absinthe and good, aged tequila make for a truly remarkable liquid refreshment! How about a Tex-Mex dish paired with this sour?  Margaritas need not apply!

You will need:

• 3 oz. Añejo tequila
• 1 oz. absinthe
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1 oz. lemon juice (fresh)
• 1 oz. lime juice (fresh)
• Lime zest: long wide strip wound in a spiral

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake 40-50 times until super cold. Serve on the rocks, garnished with lemon and lime peels.

21st Century

Ditch the gin and white wine with this inspiring take on a classic.  The crème de cacao is in perfect balance with the vanilla notes of the Blanco tequila. Absolutely beautiful!

You will need:

• 2 oz. Blanco tequila (we recommend Azuñia Blanco Organic Tequila)
• ¾ oz. white crème de cacao
• ¾ oz. lemon juice (fresh is best!)
• Absinthe for rinsing

Combine ingredients (except for the absinthe) in a mixing glass. Stir for 10 seconds. Strain with a julep strainer into a glass that is rinsed with absinthe.  Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!

Glandula de Mono

Per Wikipedia, this drink is “named after the pseudo-scientific idea that grafting monkey testicle tissue into humans would increase longevity, the idea developed by the Russian doctor Serge Voronoff.” That’s one wild name! Whether that’s where the name really comes from or not, all we really know is this is one tasty drink. And once again, gin gets the shaft!

You will need:

• 2 oz. Blanco tequila (we recommend Siembra Azul)
• 2 dashes absinthe (we recommend Vieux Pontarlier)
• ½ oz. lemon juice
• ½ oz. orange juice
• ½ oz. grenadine (we recommend Death & Co.)

In a shaker packed with ice, vigorously shake all the ingredients together. Strain into a coupe. Try serving this colorful beverage to great friends on one of these magnificent trays.

Tequila Corpse Reviver

…and the dead shall rise, indeed! This modern-day variation on the Corpse Reviver cocktail series packs a punch. Tequila, vermouth, and absinthe bring their individual personalities to this concoction with earthy, floral, and bitter flavors, respectively. This recipe may be a little more complex. However, the reward is the ultimate pick-me-up!

You will need:

• ¾ oz. Blanco tequila
• ¾ oz. Blanc vermouth
• ½ oz. triple sec
• 1 tsp. absinthe
• ¾ oz. lime juice (fresh is best!)
• ¼ oz. orange juice (fresh is best!)
• Garnish: orange twist

Add the tequila, vermouth, triple sec, absinthe, lime juice, and orange juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Double-strain into a fabulous glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

All by Myself

Who said you can only drink tequila and absinthe? These ingredients can be placed in other items such as soap!  Check it out:

Absinthe Goat Milk Soap

Try this intoxicating blend of anise, peppermint, cedarwood, and citrus essential oils in a rich, moisturizing lather. There are no harsh chemicals in this soap!

Absinthe Candles

Five-star reviews for this candle set! A wonderful woody and herbal fragrance….and it’s vegan!

Agave Healing Oil

Lightweight hair oil made of the rejuvenating agave plant!

Bioré Daily Blue Agave and Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser

A face cleanser for clean pores.  It is dermatologist tested, oil-free, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.  The blue agave soothes and conditions.

Absinthe and tequila make a saucy, naughty, and nice combo!

The dynamic duo of tequila and absinthe make a great, powerful pairing.  We encourage you to experiment with other cocktails by substituting this unique combination for the core ingredients.  Be creative, have fun, and drink responsibly!