Absinthe ( or ; French: ) is historically described as a
distilled, highly
alcoholic (45–74%
ABV / 90–148
U.S. proof) beverage. It is an
anise-flavoured
spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of
Artemisia absinthium ("grand wormwood"), together with
green anise, sweet
fennel, and other medicinal and culinary
herbs. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green colour but may also be colourless. It is commonly referred to in historical literature as "" (the green fairy). Although it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a
liqueur, absinthe is not traditionally bottled with added sugar; it is therefore classified as a spirit. Absinthe is traditionally bottled at a high level of
alcohol by volume, but it is normally diluted with water prior to being consumed.
