Absinthe is a spirit made from Artemisia absinthium, an herb that contains thujone. Thujone is a chemical that can cause psychedelic effects in high doses, and was once thought to cause hallucinations and mental instability. However, further research has shown that thujone is not dangerous in the amounts found in absinthe, and is in fact psychoactive.

Absinthe has a strong, anise-like flavor and a bitter aftertaste. It is usually served diluted with water, and sometimes with sugar.

Absinthe is a …