Absente 55

Absente 55 is a 55% ABV, lightly sweetened French absinthe produced by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence in the town of Forcalquier, Provence. Absinthe was banned in France in 1915, and was permitted again in 1988 once a European directive limited thujone content. The Absente brand was launched first in the US market after this return, then went on sale in France. The bottle design references painter Vincent van Gogh, a figure closely associated with absinthe.

What does Absente 55 taste like?

The recipe is based on extracts of herbs such as wormwood (armoise and grande absinthe), green anise, star anise, lemon balm and mint. According to the producer, in Absente 55 the aromas of wormwood, anise and mint meet a controlled sweetness. Because the drink is pre-sweetened, it offers a softer, more approachable starting point for tasting neat compared with the harsher, more bitter Grande Absente.

How is it served?

In the traditional method, a slotted spoon is placed over the glass, a sugar cube is set on the spoon, and ice-cold water is poured over it slowly; as the water is added, the drink turns cloudy and takes on an opal colour. It can also be drunk without sugar, with ice and a little water. Because of its high alcohol content, diluting it with water is strongly recommended.

What food does it pair with?

It can be served alongside cold mezze platters, as with other anise-based drinks diluted with water. The mint and anise notes also create an interesting contrast with bitter chocolate desserts.