Chrysanthemum Cocktail

When you think of absinthe, low-ABV cocktails are likely not the first thing to come to mind. Absinthe is known for its high potency, alluring green hue, and complicated history rife with misinformation and even murder. While absinthe might be intimidating, the team behind Maison Premiere, a cocktail and oyster bar in Brooklyn believes it should be a staple on any home bar — and the Chrysanthemum cocktail is the perfect gateway to becoming more comfortable working with and enjoying absinthe at home.   

While Maison Premiere is best known for its stunning cocktails and oyster service, it also happens to be one of the best places to learn about absinthe in New York City. Inspired by bars in cities like Paris and New Orleans, the team behind Maison Premiere is such a fan of absinthe that the spirit has its own chapter in their recently published book, The Maison Premiere Almanac. The chapter is the ultimate handbook on absinthe, from its tumultuous beginnings, recent boom at cocktail bars, a helpful service guide, and a thorough explanation of why absinthe does not in fact make you hallucinate (FYI, it’s just the alcohol — there are no hallucinogens). 

The Chrysanthemum cocktail is all about getting to know absinthe without any of the burn from its very high alcohol content. A sweeter blanc vermouth helps lengthen the drink, and accentuate the herbal notes from the absinthe and a bit of Benedictine adds some body. This cocktail pairs well with briney and plump oysters from Duxbury, Massachusetts. They have lovely brothy salinity with a touch of sweetness — the salt brightens the cocktail and the sweetness helps blend the flavor of the oyster with that of the cocktail. — Lucy Simon

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of absinthe should I use to make the Chrysanthemum cocktail?

For this drink, Maison Premiere suggests Germain-Robin absinthe which is very aromatic with notes of fennel, mint, and rose. “[The Germain-Robin] adds finessed aromatics and finish to a powerfully herbal “up” drink that can often tend toward the two-dimensional,” write the team behind Maison Premiere.

What is Bendectine?

Made from a Cognac base and sweetened with honey, Benedictine has a luscious, pleasant sweetness against an array of earthy, herbal, floral, and gently bitter flavors. Classics including the Vieux Carré or Singapore Sling call for it by name, but we love it in these three perfectly straightforward drinks that let Benedictine’s complexity shine.