This absinthe frappe recipe is a refreshing New Orleans classic made with absinthe, simple syrup, and soda water over crushed ice. It turns cloudy as you mix it, giving it that cool louche effect that makes the drink feel a little extra.
The recipe goes back to 1874, created by a bartender at the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. It faded out when absinthe was banned in the U.S., but since it came back in 2007, bartenders have been putting it back on the map.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make it, share some easy tips, and help you pick the right absinthe to get the most out of it.
Absinthe Frappé Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make an absinthe frappé. Here’s what to use and why it matters:
- Absinthe
This is the main spirit in the drink. It’s strong, herbal, and tastes kind of like black licorice. Look for a good brand without fake coloring. If you don’t have any, Herbsaint or pastis are good substitutes with a similar flavor. If you’re curious about more ways to use it, here’s a great list of top absinthe cocktails to try that go beyond the frappé. - Simple Syrup
This adds sweetness to balance out the strong absinthe. Most people use equal parts sugar and water. If you want it sweeter or a little thicker, use more sugar. You can also use anisette if you want even more of that licorice flavor. - Soda Water
Adds bubbles and helps mellow out the absinthe. It also makes the drink turn cloudy, which looks cool. If you don’t want bubbles, cold still water works too. - Mint Leaves
These make the drink smell fresh and add a nice touch. Just press them gently so they release flavor without tasting bitter. If you don’t have fresh mint, a tiny bit of mint extract works. - Optional Garnish
A mint sprig makes it look nice. A lemon wedge adds a little brightness. You don’t need either one, but they’re great if you have them.
Equipment You’ll Need
If you’re making an absinthe frappé at home, here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler or the back of a spoon
- Strainer
- Jigger or any small measuring tool
- Highball glass, snifter, or Collins glass
- Bar spoon to help pour the soda water slowly
- Ice crusher, blender, or even a mallet and towel to crush the ice
If you’re looking for a solid all-in-one option, check out this deluxe cocktail shaker set that covers all the basics in one bundle.
How to Make an Absinthe Frappé Cocktail
Making an absinthe frappé is easier than you might think. You’ll start by shaking absinthe with a little simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake it hard for about 15 seconds. This chills the drink and gives it a nice, light texture.
For the glass, a big snifter works great, but a highball glass works too. Fill it all the way up with crushed ice. You’re going for that rounded, snow-cone look.
Once you're done shaking, pour the drink over the ice. That pale green color against the crushed ice looks great and sets the tone.
Next, slowly top it with about 2 ounces of soda water. Take your time here. Pouring too fast can mess up the light foam that forms on top.
To finish, add a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon wedge. If you’re using mint, give it a gentle clap between your hands to bring out the aroma before placing it in the glass.
This absinthe frappe recipe gives you a crisp, lightly sweet drink with bold anise flavor.
It’s best served right away while the ice is still fluffy and the foam holds its shape.
You’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Absinthe Frappé
Here are a few easy tips to help you get the most out of your absinthe frappé:
- Start with good absinthe
A quality bottle makes a big difference. Cheaper ones can taste a little rough and might miss some of those complex herbal flavors. - Pour the soda water slowly
When you’re topping off the drink, pour the soda water gently over the back of a spoon. This helps keep the ice in place and keeps that nice frothy top. - Add a bit of lemon
If you like a citrus twist, try muddling a lemon wedge in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. It helps cut through the bitterness and brightens up the flavor. - Adjust your simple syrup
Not all absinthe tastes the same. Some are stronger than others, so feel free to tweak the amount of syrup until it feels just right to you.
Variations to Try
Here are a few simple ways to change things up and make the absinthe frappé your own:
- Old-School Style
Skip the soda water for a stronger, more intense drink. You’ll taste the absinthe more since nothing’s watering it down. - Add a splash of anisette
This boosts the licorice flavor and gives the drink a deeper, richer taste. If you like that bold anise profile, this one’s worth trying. - Fresh lemon twist
Add half an ounce of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy kick. It helps cut through the sweetness and gives the drink a little zip. - Skip the mint
If mint feels like too much, you can leave it out. Some people prefer a cleaner flavor that focuses just on the absinthe.
Every little tweak changes the drink just a bit. Try one at a time and see what fits your taste best.
More Classic Cocktails You'll Love
If you're into classic cocktails, here are a few more you’ll definitely want to try next:
- Sazerac
- Corpse Reviver No. 2
- Ramos Gin Fizz
- Vieux Carré
- French 75
- Death in the Afternoon
- Mint Julep
Frequently Asked Questions
An Absinthe Frappé tastes like intense black licorice balanced with light sweetness. The soda water adds crisp bubbles while ice creates a cooling effect.
You'll notice strong anise flavors dominate the drink. The sugar softens the herbal bite without masking the botanical complexity.
The texture feels smooth and refreshing. Most people describe it as a chilled, minty cocktail with bold herbal notes.
St. George Absinthe Verte and Lucid work best for mixing cocktails. These brands offer smooth anise flavors that blend well with other ingredients.
Avoid bright green artificial absinthes from cheap brands. Look for natural color and quality ingredients instead.
Choose absinthes with strong anise profiles rather than subtle sipping varieties. Bold flavors hold up better against ice and soda water dilution.
Pastis or Herbsaint make the closest substitutes for absinthe in this cocktail. Both offer similar anise flavors and mix well with sugar and soda.
These alternatives lack wormwood and run lower proof than true absinthe. Your drink will taste milder but still capture the licorice essence.
Ouzo works in a pinch but changes the flavor profile significantly. Expect a sweeter, less complex final result.
Pure absinthe ranges from 55% to 70% alcohol by volume before mixing. The finished Frappé contains roughly 18% to 22% alcohol after dilution.
Ice and soda water cut the strength considerably from the base spirit. You get a moderately strong cocktail rather than a shot-like experience.
The classic New Orleans cocktail drinks smoother than its absinthe base suggests. Most people find it quite manageable despite the potent starting point.
Absinthe Frappé Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Jigger or any measuring tool
- Highball glass, snifter, or Collins glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz absinthe
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz soda water
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 mint sprig or lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Place 8 mint leaves in your cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release oils.
- Pour 1 ½ oz absinthe and ½ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
- Add plenty of ice cubes to the shaker for proper dilution.
- Shake hard for 15-20 seconds to create a frothy texture.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice or crushed ice.
- Strain the mixture over ice and top with 2 oz soda water.
- Add a mint sprig or lemon wedge and serve right away.
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