Absinthe

Historically controversial and widely banned in the early 20th century over now-largely-discredited fears about thujone (a compound in wormwood); legal again in most countries today, and technically a spirit rather than a sweetened liqueur in most traditional recipes, though often grouped with this category culturally.

Profile

Anise-forward, clear, louches with water; part of the wider anise-flavored spirit family.

Technically a spirit rather than a sweetened liqueur in most traditional recipes.