Absinthe Special Cocktail

Pro tips

• Dissolve the powdered sugar in a small amount of water before stirring to prevent grittiness.
• Chill your glass before serving to maintain the drink's silky mouthfeel.
• Use fresh, quality orange bitters—they drive the aromatic balance and cut through the anis sweetness.
• Add ice gradually during stirring to control dilution; absinthe drinks benefit from light chilling rather than over-dilution.

Substitutions

• Anis → Pastis or sambuca (swaps the base spirit while maintaining anise character)
• Powdered sugar → Simple syrup, 1/2 tsp (easier to dissolve and blend evenly)
• Orange bitters → Angostura bitters (shifts flavor but maintains aromatic balance)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are served fresh; do not store mixed. Keep anis and bitters in a cool, dark cabinet.

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon or long spoon · jigger or measure · strainer

What type of anis liqueur should I use?

Use a dry anise liqueur like pastis or sambuca. Avoid sweetened versions, as the recipe already contains powdered sugar.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir gently in a mixing glass with ice to chill and dilute slightly, then strain into a coupe or small glass.

Can I make this drink without orange bitters?

Orange bitters are essential to the flavor profile; if unavailable, use Angostura as a backup, though the taste will shift.

What glass should I serve this in?

Serve in a coupe, martini, or small rocks glass, chilled or over a single large ice cube.