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People at parties ask us all the time about what kind of absinthe they should try. The short answer is, all of them. But since there are now about 20 absinthes available in the U.S., your time is limited, and your boss probably frowns on drinking on the job, we'll offer a quick primer.

There are three basic types of absinthe: Swiss, French, and Bohemian. Swiss absinthes tend to be lighter and mix well with more subtle flavors and other liquors. They make great martinis and spritzers and are easily drinkable even without sugar.

French brands are almost always more bitter but also more complex and interesting. They mix well with punches and fruit drinks, as the bitterness and sugar complement each other. We tend to sub French brands for whiskey in cocktails.

Bohemian absinthes are even more bitter and less complex than French absinthes. Some people would insist that they aren't absinthes at all. While we won't judge them that harshly, with a handful of good exceptions, they're best broken out for spring break, war wounds, and visiting exes.

The Little Green Book of Absinthe Paul Owens Paul Nathan Penguin Absinthe Liquor