Absinthe Drip Cocktail

Name: Absinthe Drip Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Absinthe Substitute; 1 cube Sugar cube

Jump to ingredients

An absinthe drip cocktail is a traditional spirit-forward drink prepared by slowly dripping water over a sugar cube into absinthe or absinthe substitute, creating a cloudy louche effect and balanced sweetness.

🏷️Equipment: old-fashioned glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide 50th Anniversary Edition

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

1 1/2 oz Absinthe Substitute
1 cube Sugar cube

2 Ingredients

CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Pour absinthe substitute into special drip glass or old-fashioned cocktail glass.
2
Place sugar cube over hole of drip spoon (or in silver tea strainer).
3
Pack spoon or strainer with cracked ice, pour cold water to fill.
4
When water has dripped through, drink is ready.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Place the sugar cube on an absinthe spoon (slotted bar spoon) resting across the glass rim to allow water to drip slowly through it
Drip water gradually to watch the louche develop—rushing ruins the visual effect and ritual
Stir gently once the louche forms and the cube dissolves completely to integrate flavors
Serve in a traditional absinthe glass (tulip or pontarlier shape) for proper presentation

Substitutions

Absinthe Substitute → Real Absinthe (higher thujone content, more traditional, check local regulations)
Sugar Cube → Granulated Sugar 1 tsp (dissolves faster, less visual ritual but same sweetness)

Equipment

absinthe spoon (slotted bar spoon) · absinthe glass or similar stemmed cocktail glass

Common Questions

What is the louche and why does it happen?

The louche is the cloudy transformation that occurs when water is dripped into absinthe. It happens because anise and other oils in absinthe become less soluble in the diluted liquid, creating an opalescent cloud.

Can I use regular sugar instead of a sugar cube?

Yes, regular granulated sugar works, though a sugar cube dissolves more slowly and traditionally creates better ritual and visual presentation.

What's the ratio of absinthe to water in a drip?

Typically 1 part absinthe to 3-4 parts water is standard, diluting the spirit to 15-20% ABV while sweetening with the sugar cube.

Do I need special absinthe or will a substitute work?

Absinthe substitute is gentler and legal everywhere; true absinthe contains thujone. Both work for the drip method—choose based on preference and local availability.