Absinthe has its origins in Switzerland in the early 1790s, where it was being produced as an all-purpose remedy. Over the next 50 years, the popularity of drinking absinthe at the end of the day exploded to epic proportions. Steeped in myth and legend, the story goes that it was a dangerous and addictive psychoactive drug. Its association in the late 19th century and early 20th century with Parisian artists and writers, including Oscar Wilde, Vincent van Gogh and Charles Baudelaire, saw its popularity soar. It was banned by the US and much of Europe by 1915. However, in the 1990s, the spirit, which is distilled with wormwood and anise, witnessed something of a revival. Absinthe was never actually banned in Britain and gradually went into production again. Now back in bars and restaurants, the Green Fairy is frequently found on upscale cocktail menus everywhere. In 2007, the ban was lifted in the US and Lucid became the first genuine absinthe to hit the shelves. Exec Digital picks its top absinthe cocktails for the discerning executive. STARRY NIGHT Ω oz. LUCID® 2Ω oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka® Ω oz. sugar syrup Crushed chocolate cookie on rim Garnish Chinese star anise Method In an iced filled shaker, add the vodka, LUCID® and sugar syrup. Shake thoroughly and strain into the chocolate crumbed rim martini glass. Add the Chinese star anise. LUCID FRAPPE 1 oz. Lucid absinthe 0.5 oz. of sugar syrup 6-8 fresh mint leaves 1 oz. of soda water Method Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a frappe style glass. Add absinthe, simple syrup and fill with crushed ice. Pour mixture into shaker and shake vigorously. Pour contents into glass, top with splash of soda water and garnish with mint sprig. GREEN LANTERN 1 oz. Lucid 1 Ω oz. Midori Ginger Ale Garnish 2-3 muddled limes and long green lime spiral Method In a rocks glass, muddle 3 lime wedges, add ice, Midori and Lucid and transfer to a shaker. Shake thoroughly and return into rocks glass. Now add the ginger ale and the lime spiral.