The Up & Up

For almost a century, absinthe was illegal in the United States, relegating it to a libation that was sampled only during summers abroad in Europe.  In March of 2007, the sale and distribution of absinthe was once again allowed in our country, much to the delight of anyone who had ever flirted with the Green Devil.

A mellow absinthe, Le Tourment Vert is blended with notes of fennel and eucalyptus and perfect for mixing in cocktails. “The Up & Up,” from the brilliant mind of Steve Livigni of The Doheny in Los Angeles, is a beautiful marriage of absinthe and tequila with citrus, which allows the various flavors to come through in a subtle harmony.

Recipe courtesy of Le Tourment Vert

INGREDIENTS
1.25 oz Reposado Tequila
0.75 oz Le Tourment Vert Absinthe
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
half a barspoon of Rose Water

MIXING NOTES
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
Shake well and serve in champagne glass or on the rocks.

INSIDER NOTES
Master mixologist Steve Livigni on naming “The Up & Up”:  Basically I’ve always like that phrase.  When I was coming up with a tequila based absinthe cocktail it occurred to me that putting absinthe and tequila together would definitely lead to an uplifting experience.  Absinthe gives you a particular high or buzz that other alcohols don’t while tequila gets your energy going.  The “Up and Up” seemed like a fitting name for the drink.

Written by Bailly Roesch

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Le Tourment Vert