Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of *Artemisia absinthium* (grand wormwood). It is famously known as 'La Fée Verte' (The Green Fairy) and was the favorite drink of bohemian artists like Van Gogh and Hemingway. In the early 20th century, absinthe was banned in many countries because it was believed to be a dangerous hallucinogen due to a compound called thujone. However, modern science has shown that thujone is present in only tiny amounts and does not cause hallucinations; the 'madness' associated with the drink was likely just the result of its extremely high alcohol content (often 70% ABV). The traditional serving method, the 'Absinthe Ritual,' involves dripping ice water over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon, which causes the drink to turn cloudy (the 'louche' effect).