The Art of Absinthe

Well before I dined at ArtBar in conjunction with an overnight stay at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, I attended an event to launch their signature Absinthe Hour program featuring cocktails made with La Clandestine Absinthe Superior.  

La Clandestine is Europe's leading absinthe producer and the only brand who hand crafts the spirit in its birthplace: the Swiss village of Couvet. In addition to sampling expertly crafted cocktails and nibbling on delicious bites from ArtBar's spring menu we learned a lot about the history of absinthe and its mythical "green fairy" inducing properties. 

We also sipped absinthe in its traditional and exquisitely eye catching form where a classic metal dripper is used to slowly mix cold water with the spirit releasing its essential oils as it turns cloudy. 

Daily from 5-6pm Absinthe Hour is ArtBars devotion to crafting unique beverages with the wonderfully herbaceous, anise flavored spirit. The bartenders have a keen sense of how absinthe enhances modern mixes and classic cocktails. The East Meets West combines absinthe, batavia arrack (an Indonesian rum) and egg whites with lemon, demerara and a touch of walnut bitters. It was frothy, smooth and sophisticated. I also adored the Old School Punch where the absinthes fragrant and distinctive wormwood blossom essence was enhanced by Haymans Old Tom Gin and rounded out with the addition of Oleo-Saccharum. 

And what's all that booze with out some inventive bar bites to pair alongside? The perfectly crispy sweet potato tots are not to be missed and their deep fried mac and cheese roll with a velvety truffle fondue sauce will not disappoint!

Special thanks to Alan Moss, the Clandestine representative and author of The Real Absinthe Blog for a fun and informative presentation!