The Absinthe Friend is a compact, aromatic short drink that combines the herbal power of London Dry Gin and absinthe. The mix of spicy Gin, anise-flavoured absinthe and a dash of Angostura results in a complex yet balanced flavour profile. Perfect for those who enjoy bold and intense flavours – without the taste of liquorice. The drink is quick to make, but not without depth: the ingredients deserve to be treated with respect, otherwise the alcohol will dominate over the aromas.
And here’s what you need for the Absinthe Friend
2 cl London Dry Gin
2 cl absinthe
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 dash simple syrup
4–6 crushed ice cubes (for the shaker)
1 ice cube (to chill the glass)
What matters
Absinthe is not an easy companion – it tends to take over any drink if you let it. The trick lies in the timing: add the absinthe to the shaker only after the ice is already in. This way, it cools down immediately and loses some of its aggressive sharpness. A second trick: use crushed ice instead of whole cubes. It melts faster and slightly dilutes the drink, which harmonises the flavours. For those who prefer precision, measure the simple syrup with a barspoon – one dash too much, and the drink loses its dry-bitter balance.
Variations
- Absinthe Friend with Chartreuse — Replace the absinthe with 1.5 cl green Chartreuse and add 0.5 cl lemon juice. The result is more spicy and slightly citrusy, with a subtle sweetness that supports the Gin.
- Absinthe Friend with Rye Whiskey — Swap the London Dry Gin for 2 cl Rye Whiskey. The vanilla and spice notes of the whiskey surprisingly pair well with the absinthe, creating a rounder, yet no less intense drink.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Pernod instead of absinthe?
Yes, Pernod is a good alternative if you don’t have absinthe on hand. The flavour is less complex, but still anise-flavoured and bold. Slightly increase the amount to 2.5 cl to maintain the intensity.
Why does the glass need to be chilled?
A chilled glass prevents the drink from warming up too quickly and losing its aromas. Especially with strong, alcohol-heavy drinks like this one, temperature is key to the first impression.
Can I serve the drink stirred instead of shaken?
Theoretically yes, but shaken is better. Shaking helps the absinthe blend better with the other ingredients, and the slight dilution from the melting ice makes the drink more harmonious.
