While our legacy at Joseph Magnus is rooted in whiskey, we’ve always admired the fascinating stories behind other historic spirits—and few carry as much intrigue as absinthe.
A Brief History of Whiskey
Whiskey’s origins trace back centuries, with distillation practices first emerging in Ireland and Scotland before taking firm root in America. By the 18th and 19th centuries, whiskey had become deeply woven into American life. Joseph A. Magnus himself entered this tradition in the late 1800s, producing Murray Hill Club Whiskey, which became a symbol of refinement and conviviality in its era, and remains beloved today.
A Brief History of Absinthe
Absinthe, by contrast, carries with it a mystique unlike any other spirit. Originating in Switzerland in the late 18th century, it became wildly popular in France throughout the 19th century—beloved by artists, writers, and thinkers who dubbed it “the Green Fairy.” Its distinctive anise flavor and herbal complexity made it both alluring and controversial. Though banned in many countries in the early 20th century due to myths surrounding its effects, absinthe has since returned to rightful recognition as a nuanced, elegant spirit that continues to inspire creativity.
The Meeting Point of Whiskey & Absinthe
When whiskey and absinthe meet in a glass, they create cocktails that balance depth, spice, and herbal intrigue. From pre-Prohibition classics to modern interpretations, this pairing has long been a bartender’s secret weapon for creating unique cocktails with soul.
Here are a few original recipes to explore at home:
September Night
A Magnus original, a cocktail designed for late summer
2 oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon Whiskey
.5 oz Bénédictine liqueur
.5 oz Thatcher’s Organic blood orange liqueur
1 dash absinthe
.5 oz simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Orange twist, garnish
In a mixing glass with ice add all the ingredients and stir until well chilled. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Magnus Sazerac
A pre-Prohibition classic reimagined with Joseph Magnus Bourbon instead of the traditional rye.
2 oz Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon
.25 oz Demerara simple syrup (or one sugar cube)
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Absinthe rinse
Lemon peel, garnish
Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe, then discard the excess. In a mixing glass with ice, combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters, stirring until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
The Green Boulevardier
A bold twist on the classic Boulevardier, elevated with absinthe.
1.5 oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon Whiskey
.75 oz Campari
.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
.25 oz Absinthe
Orange twist, garnish
In a mixing glass with ice add all the ingredients and stir until well chilled. Strain into a coupe or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Absinthe Whiskey Sour
A frothy, herbaceous variation on the timeless Whiskey Sour.
2 oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon Whiskey
.5 oz Absinthe
.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
.5 oz Simple syrup
1 Egg white (optional)
Bitters, garnish
In a shaker add all the ingredients and dry shake without ice. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. Double strain into a coupe glass and finish with a few drops of bitters swirled across the foam.
Share your own absinthe inspired cocktails with us on social media using #josamagnus. Find more recipes and content on our Instagram and Facebook and our premium spirits at a store near you. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Jos. A. Magnus.
