Absinthe is a drink with a colourful past. Beloved by luminaries such as Van Gogh and Wilde, banned by many countries on account of its allegedly hallucinogenic properties and known universally as the 'green fairy', this powerful spirit frequently falls foul of both public misconception and cheap production methods that want to cash in on its reputation.
There are some, however, who are seeking to re-introduce absinthe's potential to the public and tonight you can head down to 22 Below at 7.30pm to discover the delicious truth behind the myth. Expert Jenny Gardener will be guiding people through a tasting of La Maison Fontaine, an artisan French absinthe that's helping to change the way that London thinks about the anise-flavoured spirit. Their ornate water fountains are already gracing some of the capital's best bars (think Bar Boulud, Paramount or Purl) and she'll be demonstrating how it's served, explaining absinthe's tumultuous history and demonstrating how it can be used in great cocktails.
This free event promises to be a very interactive history lesson, and you'll receive a complimentary Pontarlier Mule as well as being able to sample La Maison Fontaine as absinthe was intended to be drunk. (N.B: Pyromaniacs, this isn't for you.) You can check out this Facebook event for more details or simply turn up at 22 Below tonight to rediscover your belief in fairies.
The event starts at 7.30pm at 22 Below, 22 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7HU. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus. Admission free.
