So today is Valentine's Day. Or Valium Time's Day, as my husband likes to call it. We're on a tighter budget than usual, but even in high-on-the-hog times February 14th wasn't a day that we splurged much. After all, we reasoned, Valentine's Day is so commercial that it's either for the amateurs or for those who feel they have something to prove. So tonight we headed out for an early dinner at Taco Bell and then home for margaritas and a movie. Instead, though, when we got home we indulged in an adult beverage of a different sort. Just yesterday at the liquor store we noticed that real absinthe was back on the shelf, so we picked up a bottle of Lucid. Since until recently absinthe has been banned for sale in the States, we hadn't had real absinthe in quite a few years--not since our friend and former housemate Mary returned from Antibes, France, with a bottle smuggled away for us. I'm not a huge fan of the anise flavor that dominates absinthe, but in the spirit of sharing I had a wee nip. We only sampled it straight but next time we might do the whole experience with the sugar cube & water to see the louche effect. Any of you tried it? Do you like it? Have you seen the Green Fairy after imbibing? Is it anything like the Green Flash?
What a bizarre coincidence that you should mention absinthe!! On Sunday night Kristin and I celebrated our first Valentine's Day as a married couple, and we imbibed absinthe for the first time for both of us. We opted for a different brand, not Lucid, as the proof was 14 points higher on this one. It was Mythe, imported from France, at 138 proof. We used the slotted spoon to drizzle ice cold water over it, but left out the sugar, as today's absinthe apparently includes more sugar than pre-ban. We read up on it before using, so as to maximize the experience!
ReplyDeleteWe did not see the Green Fairy, but had a marvelous time. I had about six glasses at a 3-1 ratio, and it was an extremely pleasant feeling. Certainly a good bit of the usual liquor buzz was present, but there was also a less foggy feeling... one was much more in control. Time practically stood still; I swear it was 6:30 PM for about three hours. Side note: after awhile, your tongue and lips will become numb. Not unpleasant, either. The music was exquisite!
The price makes it somewhat cost prohibitive right now, but for a special occasion, it is definitely a worthwhile purchase!!
That's too funny! I don't care for the taste of licorice, so I wouldn't be able to stand drinking enough of the stuff to get a buzz. But I'm glad y'all had fun with it! Sounds a lot more adventurous than Taco Bell. :)
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that I have never been prouder!!!
ReplyDeleteirish