Sara B Bar & Lounge This voluptuous absinthe bar owes its name to the divine Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), queen of French tragedy, which was described by Victor Hugo as the "golden voice" of the nineteenth century. His travels brought him to Quebec in 1880, where she gave a memorable performance in the auditorium of the historic Nordheimer, now part and parcel of the InterContinental Montreal. Since his death, his spirit, they say, still lurks in the vaults of the hotel. And PLEEP and SIS confirmed the legend!
Spirits Absinthe plants are a set of spirits, commonly known simply as "absinthe", "Green Fairy" or "the blue".
The Green Fairy was a great success in the nineteenth century, but she was accused of causing serious poisoning (containing inter alia methanol, an alcohol neurotoxic), described by Emile Zola in particular the Assommoir and the folly of some artists of the times. It is also known for its abortifacient effect. Say huh? said Bubba.
By 1875, the temperance societies, unions, the Catholic Church, physicians and the press were mobilizing against "absinthe it makes one mad". Oh Joy, said Bubba. I can hardly wait to see the combo of Boca and Green Fairy.
This led to its ban in many countries because the league said of her virtues "that crazy and criminal, makes a man stupid and threatens the future of our time." Why couldn't she just stick with the Green Slime? Bubba wondered.
WITH A LITTLE DIGGING WE FOUND.....What is Absinthe?"
Absinthe is a strong alcoholic drink made with herbal extracts of Artemisia absinthium, commonly known as wormwood. The wormwood contains a chemical known as thujone that is thought to be slightly psychoactive.
Absinthe was first commercialized by Henri Louis Pernod circa 1805, it became very popular amongst Europeans and most notably among artists Van Gogh, Baudelaire, and Verlaine. It is thought to bring lucidity and clarity to the beauty of nature as well as act as an aphrodisiac.
It was ultimately banned due to pressure from powerful wine makers who were losing substantial money form the competition produced by the much cheaper and easily made Absinthe. Also absinthe of old was very high in alcohol content and often the production left behind adulterated materials. Finally, the possible toxic effects of extended thujone use and social stigma led to its prohibition in most countries in the early 1900's.
"What are the effects of Absinthe?"
First of all Absinthe is generally a very strong alcohol (upwards of 190 proof) so that in itself will have an effect. But it is also believed to have a further effect due to the addition of various herbs, these herbs contribute to the intoxicating effect. The effects on every individual is subjective, most describe a sense of clarity or lucidity. It is a misconception that Absinthe will make you hallucinate or go mad. But that said it is a much different experience than drinking beer. One will only need one or two glasses to feel its effects, any more and you will just get dangerously drunk.
"How do you drink Absinthe?"
Traditional Absinthe is considered bitter and strong. So it is traditionally diluted with cold water and sugar. Generally you dilute 1 part absinthe with 5 parts water
The french method is as follows.
- pour one shot (approx 1oz) Absinthe into a glass.
- Then place a perforated Absinthe spoon over the glass.
- Place a few sugar cubes on the spoon
- Slowly pour ice cold water (approx 5 oz) over the cubes so that they melt into the glass.
- Once glass is full mix with spoon.
- Enjoy!
"Is absinthe legal in the U.S.?"
No. Traditional Absinthe is not legal in the U.S.. Absinthe isn't controlled as a drug but as a food product by the FDA. It is illegal to sell Alcoholic beverages that contain thujone that was banned as a food additive according to Section 801A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of August, 1972. Thujone is the active ingredient in wormwood used for making Absinthe and is considered psychoactive.
Additionally it is illegal to distill alcohol (the process of purifying a liquid by boiling it and condensing its vapors) with out the proper licenses from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. Note that it is legal to infuse or soak herbs in alcohol, just not distillation.
BOCA DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT CROSSING THE BORDER WITH THAT GREEN FAIRY STUFF!!! said Bubs. WE HAVE HAD MORE THAN OUR FAIR SHARE OF BORDER "ISSUES"! And our new pal Helen asked, how long did you say you folks have been married?
