Absinthe Suissesse

Name: Absinthe Suissesse
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 45 ml / 1.5 oz Absinthe; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Orgeat Syrup; 30 ml / 1 oz Heavy Cream; 1 large egg white Egg White

Ingredients Instructions

The Absinthe Suissesse is a distinctive and historical New Orleans cocktail renowned for its opaque, milky appearance and invigorating flavor profile. It masterfully combines the potent herbal notes of absinthe with the sweet, nutty character of orgeat syrup, enriched by the addition of cream and egg white. When shaken, these ingredients create a velvety, foam-topped drink that is both refreshing and surprisingly smooth, making it a classic choice for brunch or as a "hair of the dog" remedy.

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Absinthe Suissesse is a classic cocktail, categorized as a "Fizz" or "Flip" due to its use of egg white and cream. It is primarily known as a brunch or morning cocktail, famous in the New Orleans cocktail scene.

Serving

Serve this medium-sized drink very cold in a chilled Collins or highball glass to maintain its frothy texture and refreshing quality. The alcohol content is moderate, making it suitable for daytime enjoyment.

Serving size

Approximately 150-180 ml / 5-6 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 15-20% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Collins Glass

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The drink's origins are tied to late 19th-century New Orleans, particularly the Old Absinthe House. It was famously served as a "morning call" drink, a supposed cure for the excesses of the previous night. Its popularity cemented its status as a quintessential, albeit less common, New Orleans classic that has endured through the absinthe ban and its modern revival.

Origin

New Orleans, USA, circa late 19th or early 20th century. The drink became a staple in the city's French Quarter bars, embodying its unique culinary and cocktail heritage.

Absinthe Suissesse

The name "Absinthe Suissesse" translates to "Swiss Absinthe," likely a nod to the Swiss origins of the spirit. It's also known colloquially in New Orleans as a morning-after remedy or "eye-opener."

Original name

Absinthe Suissesse

Alternative names

Swiss Style Absinthe
New Orleans Morning Call

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a bold anise aroma and flavor, beautifully balanced by nutty sweetness and a rich, creamy texture. Its opaque white appearance with a velvety foam cap is distinctive, leaving a pleasant, sweet licorice aftertaste.

Flavor

anise, licorice, creamy, sweet, nutty, herbal, refreshing

Aroma

anise, almond, floral, herbal

Taste balance

sweet

Aftertaste

creamy, sweet, lingering anise

Fizziness

none

Color appearance

opaque, milky white, frothy top

Texture

creamy, rich, smooth, frothy, velvety

Seasonality

refreshing, all-season, brunch-time

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by sweetness and creaminess, with a moderate alcohol presence and a distinct lack of sour, salty, or bitter notes. It is a still drink with a pronounced, intense flavor driven by the absinthe and orgeat.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need absinthe as the base spirit, orgeat syrup for sweetness, and both heavy cream and an egg white for the cocktail's signature creamy, frothy body.

Absinthe45 ml / 1.5 oz
A good quality blanche or verte absinthe works well.
Orgeat Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
Orgeat is an almond syrup with orange or rose flower water. Check for nut allergens.
Heavy Cream30 ml / 1 oz
Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
Egg White1 large egg white
Use a fresh, pasteurized egg white for safety and best texture.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

A cocktail shaker is essential for this drink, as it requires a vigorous shake to emulsify the ingredients and create foam. A jigger and strainer are also standard requirements for preparation.

Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
Jigger for measuring ingredients
Strainer for separating ice

Instructions

The key to this cocktail is the two-step shaking process: first, a "dry shake" without ice to build foam, followed by a "wet shake" with ice to chill and dilute the drink before straining into a chilled glass.

1. Chill your Collins or highball glass by filling it with ice and water.

2. Combine the absinthe, orgeat syrup, heavy cream, and egg white in a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ice.

3. Perform a "dry shake" by sealing the shaker and shaking vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps create a stable foam.

4. Open the shaker, fill it with cubed ice, and seal it again.

5. Perform a "wet shake" by shaking hard for another 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.

6. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.

7. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth texture.

8. If desired, garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving.

Garnishing

Typically, the Absinthe Suissesse is served without a garnish to showcase its pure white color and foam. If desired, a single sprig of fresh mint can be added for an aromatic contrast.

Mint sprig (optional) - Gently clap the mint sprig between your hands to release its aroma and place it in the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is not suitable for those with dairy, egg, or nut allergies (due to orgeat). It is vegetarian but not vegan; however, vegan substitutions for egg white and cream are possible.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✕ Dairy-free

✕ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✕ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✕ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively high-calorie cocktail due to the cream and orgeat syrup, which also contribute to its significant sugar and carbohydrate content.

Calories

Averagely 300-350 kcal / 1255-1464 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 15-20 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 15-20 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfectly suited for brunch gatherings or as a refreshing morning "eye-opener." It also serves as a unique and conversation-starting aperitif before a meal or at a sophisticated cocktail party.

Brunch
Morning Drink
Cocktail Party
Aperitif

Pairing suggestions

As a classic brunch drink, the Absinthe Suissesse pairs wonderfully with rich breakfast foods like Eggs Benedict or flaky pastries. Its potent anise flavor can also cut through the spice of traditional New Orleans cuisine, making it a surprisingly versatile food partner.

Eggs Benedict
Croissants and pastries
Fresh fruit salads
Spicy Cajun or Creole dishes

Absinthe Suissesse: The Creamy Crescent City Classic

The Absinthe Suissesse is a trip back in time to the vibrant bar scene of old New Orleans. It stands out with its creamy texture and dominant, yet well-integrated, flavor of absinthe. While its preparation requires a bit of effort with the dry shake, the reward is a uniquely refreshing and velvety cocktail that is unlike any other. It's a perfect choice for the adventurous drinker looking to explore a historical classic beyond the mainstream.