Enjoyed for hundreds of years in Europe as a restorative and cure for many types of maladies, Absinthe reached its peak popularity in late 19th and early 20th century Parisian bars and cafés where it was a favorite of Hemingway, Joyce, Van Gogh and Picasso. Similar to Gin, Absinthe is a neutral, high proof spirit (110 to 144) infused with a variety of herbs and botanicals. These typically include green anise, sweet fennel and grand wormwood. Absinthe is most often light green in color but can also be clear.