The History of Absinthe: From Prohibition to Revival

Absinthe, a strong alcoholic drink with a distinctive emerald hue, has been the focus of attention for centuries, both as a popular beverage and a subject of bans and controversies. Its history is rich with culture, mystique, and even legends. Starting from the 18th century, it captivated the imagination of many, yet was also viewed as dangerous and psychotropic. In this article, we will explore the origins of absinthe, the reasons behind its prohibition, and the revival of this drink in the modern world, where it has regained its popularity among enthusiasts.

The Origins of Absinthe

Mentions of absinthe date back to the late 18th century when it was first created in Switzerland. Historians believe that absinthe’s recipe originated from a traditional herbal infusion known in folk medicine. The drink was renowned for its medicinal properties and quickly gained popularity among aristocrats and others who valued its taste and therapeutic qualities. The primary ingredient of absinthe is wormwood, which gives the drink its bitterness and a distinct aroma reminiscent of anise and fennel.

It is thought that absinthe derived its name from the Greek word “apsinthion,” meaning “undrinkable,” due to the bitterness of wormwood. Over time, this drink became a true symbol of freedom and creativity. It was consumed by writers, artists, and poets who saw in absinthe a source of inspiration, helping them create masterpieces.

The Influence of Wormwood

Wormwood contains an active compound called thujone, which has psychotropic properties. In small doses, thujone is not harmful, but in large amounts, it can negatively affect the nervous system. This component sparked much controversy around absinthe and contributed to its prohibition in many countries at the beginning of the 20th century. Thujone was believed to cause hallucinations and could even lead to aggressive behavior.

There are numerous stories about how absinthe altered people’s minds. Legends claim that some famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh, found not only inspiration but also tragedy in absinthe. Although scientific research later disputed these claims, absinthe’s reputation as the “green fairy” with a dark side remains firmly rooted.

Prohibition and Controversy

In the early 20th century, absinthe gained immense popularity among artists and the bohemian community in Europe, particularly in France. Its fans included notable figures such as Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, and Charles Baudelaire. However, due to excessive consumption, particularly in France, cases of poisoning and even aggression began to emerge, leading to public condemnation and, eventually, prohibition.

Governments started investigating the potential adverse effects of absinthe consumption. In the early 1910s, Switzerland, France, and other European countries decided to impose a full ban on absinthe. The drink was held responsible for various mental and physical health issues, and its reputation transformed into a symbol of danger to health and society.

Social and Legal Consequences

In 1915, France officially banned the production and sale of absinthe, setting a precedent for other countries. Soon, the ban spread to Belgium, Switzerland, the United States, and other nations. The prohibition of absinthe became part of a broader temperance movement sweeping across many countries. For many societies, this was seen as a way to protect citizens from the influence of psychotropic substances.

However, even under prohibition, absinthe continued to intrigue. Many people preserved its recipes, and the drink remained a part of culture and legend. It is believed that absinthe’s popularity among the bohemian community left a lasting impact on the culture and arts of the time.

The Revival of Absinthe in the Modern World

Since the late 20th century, absinthe has been experiencing a true revival. In 1988, the European Union lifted the ban on thujone, paving the way for legal production of absinthe within safe limits. With advancements in technology, it became possible to control the amount of thujone in beverages, allowing producers to create safe absinthe recipes.

The revival of absinthe sparked a renewed interest in its cultural heritage. Modern versions of absinthe no longer contain dangerous levels of thujone, and their flavor profiles closely resemble traditional recipes. Today, absinthe can be found in many bars and restaurants across Europe and the world.

Modern Absinthe Producers

Today, absinthe is produced in various countries, especially in France and the Czech Republic, which remain leading manufacturers of the drink. Modern producers strive to adhere to traditional recipes while adding innovative touches to create unique flavors for enthusiasts. Some producers even use old recipes, bringing them to life with the help of modern technology.

As a result, absinthe has regained popularity as a refined drink. With it, connoisseurs can experience a part of history and enjoy unique aromas reminiscent of Europe’s bohemian era. Modern absinthe has become part of bar culture, celebrated for its delicate taste, and the drink no longer carries the negative reputation that haunted it for centuries.