Absinthe is rapidly growing in popularity again after the US ban on the hallucinatory” spirit was lifted in 2007. Since then, beloved old brands and emerging new entrants have created a brilliant range of the bright diamond green liquid to rival the golden era during the French Belle Epoque.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy drinking absinthe make sure you read our Beginners Guide to the Green Fairy.

The simplest traditional serving of absinthe consists of slowly diluting the spirit by way of an absinthe fountain or carafe with three to five parts ice water and a sugar cube through a perforated absinthe spoon.

Check out the 10 Best Absinthe Brands to try below. You’ll find a few of these will rapidly become favorites as you apply absinthe to cocktails and mixers, or if brave, slam down as a pre-party shot!

Best Buy

1. Emile Pernot Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe Francais Superieure

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Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe Francaise Superieure is one of the world’s most highly decorated spirits and perhaps the most unlikely “grain to glass” spirit expression that you’ll find.

It’s vintage absinthe crafted in the French city of Pontarlier using the distillery’s original recipe, with no artificial colors or sweeteners added.

The absinthe is made from locally-grown Artemisia Absinthium (a type of grand wormwood), green anise seed, provençal fennel seed, and a secret blend of other aromatic botanicals.

Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe Francaise Superieure has a medium green color, the bright aroma of anise, and the flavor profile of alpine spice, light wormwood, and mint. The finish touches on layered anise and fennel along with more delicate herb flourishes.

Unless you’re able to claim the Czech style green fairy strong absinthe bottles (with a high thujone content that can’t be sold in the US) this is the best traditional absinthe for taste, price, and cultural cachet.