Introduction: How to Make Herbal Liqueur

In this instructable I will teach you how to make something that tastes a lot like Absinthe.

Step 1: Gather Herbs & Vodka

What you will need:

Wormwood - 2 tsp
Star Anise - 2 tsp
Anise - 2 tsp
Cardamom - 1 tsp
Mint - Two Sprigs (1/2 tsp)
Dittany - One Sprig (1/4 tsp)
Sage - One Leaf
Marjoram - One Sprig (1/4 tsp)
100+ Proof Vodka - 750ml (150 Proof is ideal)

Tea bags - 2
Tea ball
1/2 gallon airtight container

Step 2: Grind the Herbs

Add all the herbs to a Mortar and pestle or be lazy like I was and use a coffee grinder. But if you have used your grinder for coffee before be sure to CLEAN IT you don't want coffee flavored Absinthe.. Or maybe you do.. But I don't.

Drying your herbs:
Let them hang out side in a dry climate, or use a microwave.
I used a microwave for 45 seconds, it did a great job without burning them.

Once you have them all ground up, put them in a coffee filter or tea bag.

Step 3: [Optional] Add Wormwood

I put 2 tsp of Wormwood in a teabag and let it sit in the vodka in an airtight container for 18 hours, this should be enough time for it to be a nice light green color. Leave it too long and you run the risk of poisoning yourself.

Read up about the effects of Wormwood here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinth_Wormwood

Step 4: Add Other Herbs

Tie off the tea bag or filter with some string, and place it in a tea ball. Add this the 750 ml of vodka.

Let this sit in a warm place for a week.

Step 5: Bottle the Goodness

At this point you should have a dark yellow liquor that smells a lot like black licorice, or Jagermeister. You can't beat the real stuff, but it should taste pretty close to real Absinthe.

And remember: While its not recommended, some people drink this stuff. I'm sure you'll know what to do with it.

Absinthe ritual link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2069057363613917929&hl=en