| Home > Making Absinthe
How to make the herbal absinthe kits
What You Need:
- 750ml to 1 liter of high proof clear spirit of choice **
- 1 Large jug with cap/top (or an empty bottle or vessel that will hold your spirit and the absinthe herbs)
- Filter (cheese cloth works best, or coffee filter if in a pinch)
- 1 Holding container or separate jug large enough to hold your spirit + herb mix after it has macerated for a while.
- 1 Funnel
- Optional: Activated charcoal, several grams
** When choosing an alcohol, a higher proof is better. Real absinthe is approx 75%-90% alcohol, which is 150 to 180 proof. A higher proof also makes a more authentic brownish-green tincture. Everclear is best, other grain neutral spirits, or vodka will work in a pinch.
Preparing:
- Add the wormwood packet to your large jug. Then pour in your desired alcohol & put the cap on your jug. Store for 4-6 days in a dark warm place. This is called maceration.
- Strain the wormwood from the alcohol using a funnel lined with cheese cloth into a separate holding vessel.
- Add the flavoring packet to your alcohol and place back into maceration vessel with cap secured tightly.
- Set in a warm place for an additional 2-3 days.
- Strain out the herbs the same way as in step #2, and discard the residue.
- The liquid left is your absinthe!
Polishing: For more experienced or advanced brewers (optional)
A higher proof spirit makes a more authentic in color and flavorful absinthe. This determines the amount of 'polishing' needed. Polishing refers to distillation of the alcohol and its now dissolved oils and/or addition of activated charcoal to clear some color and bitterant agents. Several grams of activated charcoal are added to the mix and subsequently strained off as in the previous instructions. A distillation apparatus is available through any beer brewing shop, it can be dangerous, so be careful. E-mail us if you'd like to discuss polishing in more detail! info@absinthekits.org
|
|
