Bucket List Item Achieved: The Old Absinthe House

Recently,  on a trip to New Orleans,  I popped up the map on my phone and found directions to The Old Absinthe House.  This was also a bucket list item for me so I was excited.  I finally made it!  After a few minutes of looking over the absinthe menu,  I ordered the Mata Hari.  The bartender presented it as a show to compensate for the  $18 cost,  or so I assume.  First she poured a shot or so into a rocks glass.  Then she put the absinthe spoon across the top,  placed a sugar cube on the spoon,  and then put a straw in the absinthe to get a little bit and she dribbled it on the sugar cube…then lit it on fire to caramelize the sugar a little bit.  I can’t say that it added any flavor to the drink,  but it looked so cool to see your drink on fire before she added the water to the absinthe.  I started sipping and I was so happy.  The next time I am there,  I will have to get video of the preparation of a glass.  The bar has business cards pinned and stapled to the wall and has a dirty,  open-air feel to it with some loud music that’s non offensive and everyone seemed to like.  I will be back!

 

Thank you for reading this piece from Michael Beebe. For more about Michael, please visit TheMichaelBeebe.com or VagabondingAmerica.com.