The green fairy - that's what absinthe was called around the turn of the last century. People stormed in the Belle Époque parlor's bazaars and bistros to enjoy and celebrate the very affordable high-proof herbal drink. Among them were such famous artists as Vincent van Gogh, but even "ordinary people" enjoyed the carelessness of the economic recovery. The people were fine and they felt like celebrating.
Nevertheless, the joy was not entirely unclouded. Originally obtained as medicine from mugwort and violet root, the absinthe quickly gained cult status. Myths and stories about insanity, trance, and dependency entwined around the drink and led to the ban - until 2005.
We had the chance to celebrate our trip to the Czech Republic in the Absintherie in Prague with a little ritual "Fire and Ice". The high alcohol content makes absinthe even burn with a nice flame on ice - it creates sugar and gives a special taste.
