Does Absinthe Make You Hallucinate?

Introduction

Absinthe, also famously known as the Green Fairy, has been the subject of considerable misinformation owing to the myths about absinthe hallucination. Esteemed artists like Van Gogh and Picasso were avid enthusiasts of absinthe, and the spirit's prohibition in the early 1900s fueled speculation of hallucinatory effects attributed to thujone in wormwood.

However, the crux of the matter is that absinthe does not induce hallucinations. This article aims to explore the details, asking if absinthe really makes you hallucinate. 

What Is Absinthe?

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit known for its distinctive green color and strong anise flavor. It is often referred to as the Green Fairy. Originating in the late 18th century in Switzerland as a medicinal elixir, absinthe gained widespread popularity among artists and writers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The key characteristics of absinthe are:

• High-proof spirit: Typically falling within the range of 45% to 74% alcohol by volume (ABV), absinthe is more potent than many other spirits such as vodka or whiskey.
• Distinctive anise flavor: Described by Ernest Hemingway as having a licorice-like taste, quality absinthe, according to the Wormwood Society, should not mimic licorice candy. Instead, it typically offers a slightly bitter, dry, and astringent flavor that is both complex and subtle.
• Made of wormwood: A crucial component of absinthe is grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), recognized for its medicinal properties and containing a compound called thujone, which was once falsely attributed to hallucinogenic effects. It's important to note that thujone levels in absinthe are actually very low and pose no harm when consumed moderately.

Can Absinthe Induce Hallucinations?

Contrary to popular belief, absinthe does not induce hallucinations. This misconception originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by sensationalized stories and moral panic. The myth largely arose from thujone, a psychoactive compound in wormwood, an absinthe ingredient. However, the negligible amount of thujone in commercially available absinthe is insufficient to cause hallucinogenic effects.

Scientific studies consistently debunk the idea of absinthe causing hallucinations. Experiences often attributed to absinthe, such as vivid dreams and perceptual distortions, are more likely due to its high alcohol content (usually 45%-74% ABV), similar to the effects of other strong liquors.

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How is Absinthe Produced?

In the traditional production process, absinthe is distilled using dried herbs and wormwood. The process involves mixing these ingredients and then distilling the mixture in a water or steam bath until the resulting distillate reaches an alcohol volume ranging from 60% to 80%. Additional wormwood and herbs are introduced to the clear, colorless distillate to achieve its distinctive green color. The final step involves diluting the distillate with water to create the consumable absinthe.

How To Drink Absinthe?

The traditional way to consume absinthe involves dripping ice-cold or chill water over a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon, which is then placed on top of the absinthe in a glass. This method, known as the louche, causes the absinthe to become cloudy as essential oils and other components come out of the solution. It is a ritualistic and aesthetic aspect of absinthe consumption.

How Much Alcohol Is In Absinthe?

Absinthe boasts a robust alcohol content, falling within the range of 45% to 74% Alcohol by Volume (ABV). This exceeds the typical ABV of common liquors like vodka and whiskey, which generally hover around 40%.

While absinthe may entice with its smooth taste, it carries a potent kick, emphasizing the need for cautious and respectful consumption. To savor it responsibly, consider diluting it with water and enjoying it slowly, akin to the approach for other high-alcohol beverages.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. Does absinthe really make you hallucinate?

No, absinthe will not make you hallucinate. Despite the misconception, the amount of thujone in absinthe is insufficient to induce hallucinations. Thujone, found in wormwood, is a convulsant at extremely high doses, but the levels in absinthe are not significant. Common ingredients like sage also contain thujone without causing adverse effects.

Q. What is the misconception about absinthe?

The misconception about absinthe revolves around its alleged hallucinogenic properties. Historically, fueled by sensationalized stories and moral panic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, absinthe was wrongly believed to induce hallucinations.

Q. How do you drink 70% absinthe?

To drink 70% absinthe, slowly pour cold water over a sugar cube in the glass, aiming for a 3-5 parts water to 1 part absinthe ratio. The water causes cloudiness and releases essential oils, enhancing the unique flavor profile.

Q. Is absinthe the strongest alcohol?

Absinthe is renowned for its high alcohol content, typically ranging from 45% to 74% Alcohol by Volume (ABV). While it stands as one of the stronger alcoholic options, Spirytus Vodka takes the crown as one of the most potent liquors globally, boasting an impressive 96% ABV.

Q. Is modern absinthe any different?

Yes and no. While modern absinthe is intended to have lower thujone levels than pre-ban varieties, a study on pre-ban bottles discovered that thujone levels were not significantly different from present-day absinthes.