As an absinthe virgin, it’s hard to separate the myths from the modern-day reality; no matter what any contemporary artist tells you, nobody wants to end up in the infirmary with a severed feature. However, I convinced myself past days of yore and tales gone by don’t have much bearing on today’s mixtures.

That said, buckling down for one drink and its effects, I’ve learned one must be alert and ready, but ready to run when the ardor arises.

We watched the bartender at Underbar in New York City shake up a couple Crow’s Eyes; 1 oz. Tourment Vert, 1 oz. Vodka, a splash each of OJ and 7up, all over ice in a rocks glass. Beautiful in presentation and simplicity, the sea green eddied into a delightful cloudy lime even before the glass reached my lips for the first sip. Immediately, the anise elixir didn’t just wash over my tongue; it coated my face – inside and out – with a rush of strength and spice.  Before the feeling had passed, I found the glass tipping down my throat seemingly beyond my own power. Strange.

As a simple drink goes, the Crow’s Eye is unexpectedly complex: It’s a strong drink, yet easily drinkable; it’s fruity light but fills one’s head with a thick vapor; it’s not a warm hug like a glass of wine, but it’s not a kick in the teeth either.  I liken it to a firm but controlled shoulder shake to get you primed for an interesting night.

As I drained the final drops from the not-yet-melted ice cubes, I didn’t consider myself an absinthe virgin anymore, though I still couldn’t I say I knew it. I can say that it wasn’t what I expected but with a reputation as notorious as absinthe’s I’m not even sure what that was.  I wasn't overcome with creativity to the extent that I was compelled to lop off my ear, but I did feel revived after a long day and recklessly use the word ‘ardor.’ En fin, I’m kind of sorry I didn’t hallucinate but I wouldn’t kick a Crow’s Eye out of bed for asking for a cigarette. 

 And we never did decode what "Crow’s Eye" meant.

-Russ Cooper

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 *Russ Cooper is a writer and editor in Montreal, QC.  To read more go to RussCooperWrite.com 

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