Here they are, the instructions that will make you the "new bohemian on the block". Here's how to prepare your absinthe in the proper ways. I personally prefer the traditional French version, since I consider the modern variation to completely ruin the drink. The traditional french way The classic French absinthe ritual involves placing a sugar cube on a flat perforated spoon, which rests on the glass containing a measure of absinthe. Iced water is then very slowly dripped on to the sugar cube, which gradually dissolves and drips, along with the water, into the absinthe, causing the green liquor to louche into an opaque opalescent white as the essential oils precipitate out of the alcoholic solution. Usually three to four parts water are added to one part of 65% absinthe. Some requires more water, some less. Step 1   Step 2 Step 3   Step 4 1. Pour one measure (3-5 cl) of absinthe into a glass. 2. Place a slotted absinthe spoon on the glass. Place one or two sugar cubes onto the spoon. 3. Slowly drip iced water over the sugar cubes and let them melt into the absinthe in the glass. Watch it louche. 4. Stir. Smell it and enjoy it. "The modern" ritual with fire I have decided to remove the instructions for the "modern" (read Czech) ritual. It is nothing but a marketing trick imposed on ignorants by the Czech producers and have nothing to do with traditional absinthe and its preparation. Other popular variations You could always drink it as Ernest Hemingway did; Pour 4 cl. of absinthe over 2 ice cubes in a champagne glass. Fill the glass with champagne or sparkling wine and enjoy.