The Muses of Pernod Absinthe

Since the absinthe ban was lifted in the United States last year there has been a plethora of brands releasing their "Green Fairy" to the market. It seemed to be slow at first, with only one or two brands available, but within the last few months we've seen quite a few newbies on the shelves. One that is definitely steeped in history and which is now available to us is Pernod's Absinthe.

To celebrate the re-release of Pernod Absinthe, the company pulled 5 mixologists and gave each a task: create an original drink inspired by one of the greats of literature and art who were avid absinthe drinkers. The results are five cocktails that put a twist on the absinthe drink, a very modern twist, and all of them are fabulous. These are perfect for anyone who is exploring this new, legal treat and if you've found the absinthe and water to be too anise-laden for you, these are a subtle way to enjoy the liqueur.

• #26 - by Marko Knezevic of the Grass Restaurant & Lounge in Miami
  Muse- Ernest Hemingway
• Charmides - by Marcos Tello from The Doheney in Los Angeles
  Muse- Oscar Wilde
• La Berceuse - by Jim Ryan from Dressler in New York City
  Muse- Vincent Van Gogh
• La Canne Creuse - by Jeff Hollinger of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar in San Francisco
  Muse- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
• Rimbaud's Left Hand - by Stephen Cole of The Violet Hour in Chicago
  Muse- Arthur Rimbaud

I found two things interesting in this series:

1. The use of grapes with absinthe is a flavor pairing I wouldn't think of but the two that use them have sold me on the combination.
2. The mixologists not only made great absinthe cocktails, but also named their creations with a degree of wit I'd like to think the inspirations would have found humorous.