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a death in the afternoon cocktail served on table top

Death in the Afternoon

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Prep Time: 4 minutes
4.5 from 4 votes
Course: Absinthe
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 2 ingredient cocktails, Absinthe cocktails, Champagne Cocktails, classic cocktails, halloween cocktails, prohibition cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz absinthe
  • 4 1/2 oz chilled Champagne to top
  • Garnish with a rose petal or lemon twist

Instructions

  • Chill your champagne flute or coupe in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before making the cocktail.
  • Pour a jigger of absinthe (1.5 ounces) into the chilled glass. Note that you can use any brand of absinthe, but Hemingway's favorite was Pernod.
  • Top the absinthe with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. You can also use prosecco or cava as an alternative to champagne.
  • Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can cause spontaneous emulsification, resulting in an opalescent milkiness in the cocktail.
  • Garnish with a sugar cube or a lemon twist. Some people also like to add a dash of bitters for extra flavor.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips

  • Use a dry Champagne to balance the absinthe’s sweetness and herbal notes.
  • For a cloudier, louche-style presentation, add Champagne first and slowly pour in absinthe.
  • A sugar cube or dash of bitters can enhance the drink’s complexity.
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