Our Valentine’s Day cocktail this year is not for the faint of heart. The Tremblement de Terre (or “Earthquake”) is a drink that really earns its name. In the late 19th century when it was invented, the recipe was basically equal parts absinthe and cognac! Our version is a bit tamer, but it still packs a delightful punch.
Directions (Serves 1)
· Pour 2 oz Courvoisier VSOP cognac (or your favorite cognac) into a mixing glass
· Add 1/4 oz Holystone Absinthe
· Fill mixing glass with ice and stir for 30-60 seconds
· Strain into a cocktail glass
· Squeeze a lemon peel or spiral to release oils and use it to garnish
· Sip to enjoy!
Pro Tip: The amount of time that a cocktail recipe calls for stirring is not arbitrary. Stirring for longer not only cools the drink but also adds a vital component of the cocktail: water. A stir time of 30-60 seconds will add between 1¼ to 1¾ ounces of water, which helps dilute the cocktail and open up its flavors. Adjust your stir time according to exactly how much you want your “Earthquake” to rock your world!
The Tremblement de Terre is our February pick because it’s a unique and fun drink that pairs perfectly with your Valentine’s chocolates, but also because it has a mystical, romantic history.
Absinthe was hugely popular in France in the 1800s, especially among Paris’ bohemian artists. Picasso, van Gogh, Manet, Baudelaire, Oscar Wilde, and many others turned to absinthe as an inspiration for their art. Earnest Hemingway later added to the drink’s reputation as his muse, although its supposed hallucinogenic effects were probably just due to drinking too much! Made with wormwood, anise, and fennel, it has a bright green color that led to its nickname, “The Green Fairy.”
Traditionally, absinthe was distilled to be 136 proof, which helps explain both its popularity and why, in the 1900s, it was banned in Europe and America. In fact, it wasn’t until 2007 that the US made absinthe legal again. While you are now free to enjoy this unique beverage, it’s good to keep in mind what an early commenter said about Tremblement de Terre: “This is a cocktail whose potency is not to be taken too lightly, or, for that matter, too frequently!”