V-Day Cocktails to Get Your Girl in the Mood: Part 3

If you’re looking to raise the bar on your V-Day celebration, you can take it right to the top by adding some absinthe to the party.

Sure the (alleged) hallucinogens have been removed to make it legal in the US once again, but if you’ve had the pleasure of sampling some (and I have), you know it still has the power to bring you to your knees.

And that’s when enjoyed the traditional way, with water, poured over a sugar cube. Mix it into a cocktail with other spirits, and you’ve got enough liquid lubrication in one glass to turn Mother Theresa into Tila Tequila.

All kidding aside, absinthe does make a surprisingly good cocktail, and here are a few from Pernod Absinthe – makers of the original that was so popular (and eventually banned) in turn of the century France – that I promise will add a new dimension to your V-Day.

Mystic Chocolate
1/4 part Pernod® Absinthe
1/3 part Irish Cream
1/3 part Hiram Walker® Crème de Cocoa
2 dashes Hiram Walker® Butterscotch Schnapps
Add absinthe first into a cordial size glass, then layer remaining ingredients beginning with Irish Cream.

Chrysanthemum
1 Part Pernod® Absinthe
2 Parts Brandy Liqueur
5 Parts Dry Vermouth
1 Cup Ice Cubes
1 thin strip orange peel

In a cocktail shaker, stir together absinthe, Brandy Liqueur and vermouth. Add ice and stir for one minute, then strain into a martini glass. Squeeze orange peel over drink, making sure oils fall into the glass, then drop peel into drink and serve.

The French Pearl
Created by Audrey Saunders – New York City
2 Parts Plymouth® Gin
1/4 Part Pernod® Absinthe
1 Mint Sprig
3/4 part Fresh Lime juice
3/4 part Rock Candy Syrup

Muddle mint with the rest of ingredients in cocktail shaker. Pour into a chilled martini glass.