It’s not often that one has the opportunity to sample absinthe, let alone make a batch of their very own. Ryan and Melanie Belshee, the masterminds behind Bootleg Botanicals, have long been experimenting with creating their own spirits at home. They started researching what would be involved in creating absinthe at home. That research came with the revelation that a still was needed, which is not only illegal for home use but quite dangerous so it was back to the drawing board which led to the idea that the concoction may be viable by using Maceration.
Soon they arrived at the magical combination of herbs and spices that when mixed and added appropriately in connection with a little Everclear would make what would be the beginning of their boozy empire. After they found the perfect recipe for absinthe they then started on their journey to find more recipes that could be created at home. The collection has grown to include Gin, Whiskey and Rum infusions in addition to the Absinthe kit.
I had the opportunity to try out the Absinthe Infusion Kit, which came with most everything needed to make almost 17 ounces of the delightful drink. The only additions you need to make are a sealable glass jar and a bottle of Everclear. The whole process takes about a day and a half as the herbs need to infuse in the alcohol and then settle to the point that creates a smooth and palatable drink.
If you enjoy the taste and flavor of anise, then Absinthe is something that may delight you. Traditional absinthe included wormwood, which was purported to provide its imbibers with hallucinations. The wormwood created a bitter taste, which is why the drink is tempered with a sugar cube dissolved slowly with water. You’ll find that he combination of the absinthe with the sugar and water mutes the bitterness and when lingered over, although anise and fennel provide the predominant flavors, if you allow yourself the time to sip slowly you’ll find the other flavors come to life. Roll the absinthe in your mouth and you’ll taste the lemon peel, coriander, hyssop and angelica root come to life.
You can easily create your own mix at home by ordering a kit from Bootleg Botanicals online. The kits run from $15 to $45.
*We received complimentary samples to facilitate the write-up; however, our opinions are wholly our own. View our Disclosure Policy for more info.