# Three Absinthe Verte Cocktails Built Around Absinthe Verte *By Mark Fitlin · 2026-10-14 · Liqueur* A 125 proof absinthe verte can do more than rinse a glass. Here are three cocktails, from a classic drip to a spirit-forward stir, plus how to find it at NC ABC stores. ## A green spirit that asks for a plan Most people meet absinthe as a rinse in a glass. A quick swirl, a dump, and the bottle goes back on the shelf for months. That is a waste, because a good absinthe verte can carry a whole drink. These absinthe verte cocktails show how. The recipes below are built around Absinthe Verte from [As Above So Below Distillery](https://aasbdistillery.com/). You get three recipes with exact amounts and clear steps. First, a quick look at what is in the bottle. ## What you are pouring Absinthe verte means green absinthe. It is a high-proof spirit flavored with wormwood (a bitter, herbal plant), anise and fennel, and the style leans herbal with a licorice-like pull. This one is listed at 62.5% ABV (125 proof), so treat it with respect. According to the maker, the process starts with wormwood and other botanicals soaking in the distillery's high-proof house vodka. That soak begins during a full moon. The maceration and distillation then run across three full lunar cycles. The botanicals include wormwood, fennel, anise, marjoram, hyssop and mint. The spirit is described as herbal and spicy. The maker suggests spirit-forward cocktails, or the traditional serve with water and a sugar cube. It also won Gold and Best in Class at the American Craft Spirit Association awards in 2024. ## Before you mix: three quick rules At 125 proof, small pours go a long way. A few habits keep the drinks balanced. - **Measure the absinthe.** Even a quarter ounce shows up in the glass. - **Chill your glassware.** A cold coupe or rocks glass keeps anise notes crisp. - **Use fresh citrus and fresh mint.** Bottled juice flattens the herbal lift. ### Cocktail 1: The Traditional Drip This is the old-school serve, and the maker lists it too. It turns a strong spirit into a slow, cloudy, easy sipper. Take your time with it. - 1 oz AASB Absinthe Verte - 1 sugar cube - 3 to 4 oz ice-cold water Pour the absinthe into a stemmed glass. Set a slotted spoon across the rim and rest the sugar cube on it. Drip cold water slowly over the sugar, a few drops at a time. Stop when the drink turns milky and pale green. Stir once and sip. ![A glass of cloudy pale green liquid with a sugar cube on a slotted spoon.](https://ingotusercontent.com/images/u3xzo8dp8s/production/7e055e1f273996b15dbf4f561d52efe2d9d30ea6-1200x640.jpg?w=1200&fit=max&q=100&auto=format) ### Cocktail 2: Green Sazerac The classic Sazerac uses absinthe as a rinse. Here it plays a bigger role, with a short stirred build that leans on rye and bitters. - 2 oz rye whiskey - 1/4 oz AASB Absinthe Verte - 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup - 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters - 1 lemon peel Chill a rocks glass with ice and water. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar with the bitters, or stir in the syrup. Add the rye and ice, then stir for about 30 seconds. Dump the ice from the rocks glass and pour in the absinthe. Swirl and discard the excess. Strain the drink into the glass. Twist the lemon peel over the top and drop it in. ### Cocktail 3: Herb Garden Gimlet Mint and fennel sit well together, so this bright drink leans on both. It is a good pick for a warm North Carolina evening on the porch. - 2 oz gin - 3/4 oz fresh lime juice - 3/4 oz simple syrup - 1/4 oz AASB Absinthe Verte - 6 mint leaves - 1 mint sprig for garnish Add the mint leaves and syrup to a shaker and press them gently. Add the gin, lime juice and absinthe, then fill with ice. Shake hard for about 12 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Slap the mint sprig between your palms and set it on the rim. ## Serving tips and pairings for absinthe verte cocktails Keep a small dropper bottle or a bar spoon nearby so you can pour the absinthe in tiny amounts. Store the bottle upright, away from sunlight. For food, anise and fennel notes pair well with oysters, grilled shrimp, goat cheese and salty olives. Enjoy responsibly, and remember that this spirit is much stronger than most. ## Where to find it in North Carolina Ask your local NC ABC store to special order it using code 57-450, and see the product page for details. Bar and restaurant owners can ask their ABC board contact about adding it to a cocktail menu. ## Also from As Above So Below Distillery More bottles from the same distillery are available through Dorado Rock. - AASB Aradia Aperitivo - AASB Ixchel Botanical Dry Curacao - AASB Lilith Alpino Amaro - AASB Ritual Small Batch Vodka - AASB Sigil Gin - Elvira Mistress of the Dark Autumnal Gin --- [Read on doradorockllc.com](https://doradorockllc.com/blog/three-absinthe-verte-cocktails-aasb-absinthe-verte) · [All posts](https://doradorockllc.com/blog)