Enjoying Absinthe Frappes at Iconic New Orleans Bars
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By: Inside NOLA
New Orleans is a city steeped in history and culture, where the Absinthe Frappe cocktail has become an iconic representation of its spirit. This refreshing and unique drink, born in the late 19th century, has captivated locals and visitors alike, becoming a staple in the city’s vibrant bar scene.
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TL;DR
The Absinthe Frappe is a classic New Orleans cocktail made with absinthe, sugar, and crushed ice, often garnished with mint.
It was created in 1874 by Cayetano Ferrer at the renowned Old Absinthe House in New Orleans.
Iconic bars like the Old Absinthe House, Cure, and Peychaud’s offer their unique interpretations of this iconic drink.
Historical Background of Absinthe Frappe
Absinthe, a high-proof spirit made from botanicals like wormwood and anise, has a storied and controversial past. Originating in Switzerland in the late 18th century, absinthe gained popularity in France during the 19th century, particularly among artists and writers drawn to its alleged creative properties.
The Absinthe Frappe was invented in 1874 by Cayetano Ferrer, a bartender at the renowned Old Absinthe House in New Orleans. Ferrer’s creation, combining absinthe, sugar, and crushed ice, quickly became a hit among the city’s residents and visitors, solidifying its place in New Orleans’ cocktail culture.
Absinthe’s popularity in New Orleans was so significant that the city became known as the “Absinthe Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. However, due to concerns about wormwood’s potential harmful effects, absinthe was banned in the United States in 1912. It wasn’t until 2007 that the ban was lifted, allowing absinthe to reclaim its place in New Orleans’ lively bar scene.
Ingredients and Preparation of Absinthe Frappe
A traditional Absinthe Frappe is made with the following ingredients:
1.5 oz Pernod Absinthe
0.5 oz simple syrup
2-3 mint leaves
Crushed ice
To prepare an Absinthe Frappe, bartenders follow these steps:
In a cocktail shaker, combine absinthe, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve with a straw.
While the basic recipe remains consistent, some variations exist among different bars in New Orleans. For example, the Old Absinthe House uses a blend of absinthe and herbsaint, a locally produced anise-flavored liqueur, in their Absinthe Frappe.
Sensory Experience of Drinking Absinthe Frappe
Drinking an Absinthe Frappe is a multi-sensory experience that engages the eyes, nose, and palate. The drink’s pale green color, derived from the absinthe, is visually striking and often enhanced by the vibrant green of the mint garnish.
As you bring the glass to your nose, the aroma of anise and mint fills your senses, hinting at the refreshing flavors to come. Upon taking a sip, the icy, creamy texture of the crushed ice and the smooth, slightly sweet taste of the absinthe and simple syrup combine to create a uniquely satisfying sensation.
Compared to other popular New Orleans cocktails, such as the Sazerac or the Hurricane, the Absinthe Frappe stands out for its light, refreshing character and its ability to showcase the distinct flavor of absinthe without overwhelming the palate.
Iconic New Orleans Bars Serving Absinthe Frappe
Old Absinthe House
Address: 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
The birthplace of the Absinthe Frappe, the Old Absinthe House has been serving the cocktail since 1874. Their version features a blend of absinthe and herbsaint, paying homage to the city’s history and local flavors.
Cure, a modern cocktail bar, offers a classic Absinthe Frappe served very cold with plenty of ice. Their skilled bartenders ensure that each drink is perfectly balanced and refreshing.
Peychaud’s, named after the creator of the famous bitters used in the Sazerac, serves a traditional Absinthe Frappe that showcases the expertise of their talented mixologists.
Cultural Significance of Absinthe Frappe in New Orleans
The Absinthe Frappe has become deeply woven into New Orleans’ cultural and social scenes, representing the city’s love for history, creativity, and the art of mixology. The drink’s association with the city’s French heritage and its popularity among artists and writers in the late 19th century have contributed to its enduring appeal.
New Orleans celebrates its absinthe heritage through various events and festivals, such as the annual Tales of the Cocktail, which brings together bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the city’s rich drinking culture.
Expert Opinions and Bartender Insights
Renowned bartenders and mixologists in New Orleans have a deep appreciation for the Absinthe Frappe and its significance in the city’s cocktail history. Chris Hannah, the head bartender at Jewel of the South, creates a modern take on the Absinthe Frappe that is served neat, showcasing his innovative approach to the classic drink.
When crafting an Absinthe Frappe at home, experts recommend using high-quality absinthe, such as Pernod or Herbsaint, and paying close attention to the balance of ingredients. Shaking the drink vigorously with crushed ice is crucial to achieving the desired texture and temperature.
The resurgence of interest in absinthe and classic cocktails has led to a renewed appreciation for the Absinthe Frappe, with many bars in New Orleans offering their own unique interpretations of the drink.
Practical Guide for Enjoying Absinthe Frappe in New Orleans
To fully appreciate the Absinthe Frappe, it’s best to enjoy it in the early evening, as a refreshing aperitif before dinner or as a cooling respite from the heat of a New Orleans summer day. When selecting a bar to experience an Absinthe Frappe, consider the establishment’s history, atmosphere, and reputation for crafting quality cocktails.
Iconic bars like the Old Absinthe House, Cure, and Peychaud’s offer a true taste of New Orleans’ absinthe heritage, with knowledgeable bartenders who can guide you through the nuances of the drink. When ordering an Absinthe Frappe, be sure to specify your preference for sweetness and garnish, and take the time to savor the unique flavors and sensory experience of this classic New Orleans cocktail.
The Absinthe Frappe is more than just a drink – it’s a testament to New Orleans’ rich history, cultural heritage, and the city’s enduring love affair with the art of mixology. By exploring the iconic bars that serve this classic cocktail and immersing yourself in the stories and traditions surrounding it, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique spirit of New Orleans and the enduring allure of the Absinthe Frappe.
