- First, absinthe is mixed with cold water. Not only does this dilute a liquor that is often bottled at about 70 percent ABV, it also produces a cloudy effect called le louche (which can be roughly translated to "the clouding"). Le louche is a spectacle for the eyes, as the absinthe transforms from a deep green to a milky, iridescent shade. It is a bit of magic in a glass.
I will always share everything related to absinthe, as you know :) It's also the absolute greatest party story and trick. You talk to a bunch of people who, by and large, know nothing about absinthe outside the myths or Czech absinthe, and then give them the back story of Le Fin de Siècle Paris and the Green Hour, unscrupulous distillers, and popularity. You set the pace of the story perfectly and you pour the florescent green dram, bring out a gorgeous absinthe spoon and sugar cube, describe le louche just before you do it, explain the best absinthe is purely herbal, no additives, a totally natural liquor and the activation with the water with these. People are mesmerized. I've yet to have someone dislike absinthe after it all.
Don't be fooled into trying absinthe if you hate anise. I watched the whole show and couldn't get past the anise taste.
I've always been slightly interested in, but uneducated about Absinthe. Now I only want to experience it the way you've described it.