Victor Olivia's The Absinthe Drinker featuring the Green Goddess

Speaking of Lucid (NOT the dream state)

Absinthe, is a highly intoxicating spirit that has been vilified in the United States since 1915 when it was outlawed here. It is a very potent spirit traditionally made from an herb called wormwood. It is then distilled to a very high proof (~125 proof or 62 percent alcohol).

It is commonly served in a glass specialized for Absinthe drinking.

First pour a shot-or-so of Absinthe into a glass then place a spoon over the top and place a sugar cube on the spoon. Then pour ice cold water over the sugar cube and into the glass. The mixture forms a cloudy fluid as some of the herbs in the Absinthe come out of solution and form a Louche. The aroma and taste of Absinthe is very licorice like in its flavor and carries a huge punch.

Absinthe has been the subject of much lore and was greatly appreciated by 19th and early 20th century artists and writers.

Frequently refered to as the Green Goddess, Earnest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso and Mark Twain were notable absinthe drinkers. Oscar Wilde went one step further and was reported to write several works while in an Absinthe induced drunken state.

In 2007 the United States lifted the ban on Absinthe and several distilleries started domestic production of this wonderful spirit. A widely available import, Lucid brand, is a very well crafted French Absinthe that is made in the traditional method and has no added artificial oils or flavors.

Mark