March 5

National Absinthe Day

A food observance on March 5 commemorating the legalization of absinthe sales in the United States in 2007 after nearly a century-long ban, honoring the spirit's history and cultural revival.

Yearly Date

March 5

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Raise your glass and get ready to celebrate National Absinthe Day on Mar. 5! This day is dedicated to the popular spirit which has been around since the late 18th century, with its origin in Switzerland and France. It has a strong flavor of aniseed, as well as other herbs such as wormwood, fennel and hyssop blended into it making it quite unique from other spirits. The effects of this drink are said to be both calming yet invigorating at the same time - just like any good celebration should be!

National Absinthe Day Timeline

1792

Creation of Absinthe

Absinthe was first created by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire in Switzerland as a medicinal elixir.

1805

First Absinthe Distillery

Henri-Louis Pernod opened the first commercial absinthe distillery in Pontarlier, France.

1860s

Absinthe in the Arts

Many famous artists and writers, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, were known absinthe drinkers, influencing its popularity.

1915

Absinthe Prohibition

Due to controversies surrounding its psychoactive effects, absinthe was banned in several countries including France, the United States, and Belgium.

2007

Lifting the Ban

US federal laws were relaxed on absinthe following debates around its supposed harmful effects, paving the way for its comeback.

2011

National Absinthe Day

March 5 was designated as National Absinthe Day, a day to celebrate the iconic spirit and its rich history.

How to Celebrate National Absinthe Day

1 Taste different absinthe

Take the time to try different brands of absinthe. Different regions have different tastes and you can learn a lot by tasting them.

2 Prepare an absinthe cocktail

Mix up a delicious absinthe cocktail with your favorite ingredients. Try out a classic Sazerac or Death in the Afternoon.

3 Create an absinthe inspired dish

Cooking with absinthe is gaining in popularity, so why not create an absinthe inspired dish? Try making your own absinthe ice cream or a lamb shank with absinthe sauce.

4 Make an absinthe cake

Create a unique and delicious absinthe cake for your friends and family. It's sure to be a hit!

5 Host an absinthe tasting party

Gather up some friends and host an absinthe tasting party. Sample different types of absinthes and play fun games like 'guess the flavor' or 'name that brand'.

Why We Love National Absinthe Day

Absinthe has a unique and complex flavor

The flavor of absinthe is unique and complex, with notes of anise, fennel, wormwood, and other herbs. It's usually served in small doses so that you can appreciate its complexity and subtle characteristics.

Absinthe is steeped in history & mythology

Absinthe has been a part of European culture for centuries, and has become known as 'the green fairy' thanks its many myths and legends. Celebrating National Absinthe Day honors this rich tradition and gives you the chance to explore all the different varieties and styles of this captivating spirit.

Absinthe makes a great base for cocktails

If you're looking to mix up something special, why not try using absinthe as the base for your next cocktail? Its distinct notes of anise, wormwood, fennel, and other herbs make it the perfect ingredient in drinks like a Sazerac or Corpse Reviver #2 - which are sure to be crowd pleasers at your next party!