There have been not only a large number of absinthes released during the last few years but also every now and then, someone produces something more or less based on absinthe but is not quite an absinthe. If that description fits the drink, it fits in here. This is where you'll find liqueurs, drink mixers and ready made absinthe cocktails. Click the thumbnails to view larger versions of the photos.
Jade Suissesse Absinthe Cocktail
France (Saumur), 17% alc. vol. (34 proof), 0.7 liter
Absinthe Suissesse, a cocktail introduced in New Orleans in the 19th century now bottled and ready to drink. Served chilled or over ice this is actually one tasty cocktail.

My first thought about this one was, "egg white and absinthe?!" - but yes... Egg white and absinthe. The taste of this cocktail is excellent. A perfect, slightly creamy mouth-feel but without getting thick or sweet, perfectly lazed with the taste of fine Jade absinthe. A combination at its best. None of the ingredients, absinthe, egg white and orgeat syrup, takes over too much.

I can honestly say that this was actually a very pleasant surprise to me, and this has been a perfect drink during the holidays. With many guests, each and everyone have been treated at least one glass each, and every one have really liked it, most loved it.

The Jade Suissesse is something that I actually recommend everyone to keep at home, even those who don't drink absinthe will surely enjoy this one.

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Kallnacher Red Absinthe Bitter
Absinthe/Martinazzi cocktail, 22% (44 proof), 1.0 liter, Switzerland
A strange but surprisingly good thing this here... The Matter-Luginbühl distillery makes an aperitif much like Campari, named Martinazzi. They also make a blanche absinthe known as the Kallnacher Absinthe Blanche. Take the two of those and mix them together and you have this, the Kallnacher Red Absinthe Bitter.

It can easily be enjoyed straight on the rocks or with soda or sparkling water. Either way this is actually a mighty nice drink! I honestly didn't expect it to much to write home about, but I am happy to say that I was wrong. If you like Campari drinks and you like absinthe I am sure you will like this.

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Liqueur d'Absinthe de Pontarlier
France (Pontarlier), 25% alc. vol. (50 proof), 0.35 liter
From the Guy distillery, makers of Francois Guy Absinthe and Pontarlier Anis, comes this little piece of very sweet liqueur. It's supposed to be an absinthe liqueur but somewhere along the way they seem to have lost the absinthe.

I would be perfectly happy with this product, as a liqueur, if they had named it a Liqueur d'Anis instead. There is very little trace of wormwood taste in this and actually, that is what is missing to make it even remotely interesting.

As it is now, it merely lends an extreme sweetness from sugar and anise, and that's it. If it was to present a more herbal and absinthe character it would have been a much nicer liqueur. Either way, strictly speaking in the aspect of a liqueur, it's and OK product. Nothing more, nothing less.

I am sure little old ladies will be able to suck it down in no time but personally it will take a lot more time to finish this little bottle since a small 2cl dose is enough for one night.

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