Go Green! 5 Places to Drink Absinthe in Bangkok
Absinthe, an alcohol beverage so powerful, it was banned in the United States from 1912 till 2007 with the belief that it was capable of causing hallucinations. That has completely been debunked, but the green liquid’s history still has an air of magic and fascination. Its alcoholic strength is twice of the common spirit, making the ultimate birthday or bachelor party drink. This also makes it a tad bit harder to find. Luckily, we’ve researched for you.
Here are 5 best places for you and your friends to grab Absinthe in Bangkok, listed in no particular order.
Smalls
Our first stop is Smalls, a small (no pun intended) and cozy bar settled in a corner townhouse with an interior design that will remind you of classic France. Smalls has 3 floors, but despite this, you may have to go early to get a good seat, especially on the 2nd-floor balcony. Once seated you’ll also be listening to classical tunes while you take sips of Absinthe, served with a traditional dripping water fountain and green flames. If you are starting to feel chirpy, there is also a wide range of cocktails to choose from.
Apoteka
When you walk into Apoteka, you feel as if you are once again transported back in the early 1900s. We assume the bar is designed with inspiration from an apothecary (thus the name), and like potion concocting itself, is very well known for their potent mixes of alcohol. But if you are hungry Apoteka serves some delicious finger dishes, sure to go along harmoniously with your glass of Flaming Lamborghini, with the cocktail having a strong Absinthe taste. Seems like a pretty good night as you indulge in the sound of entertaining live bands in Sukhumvit 11.
Havana Social
You may have heard of Havana Social before, as the famous bar is found in most, if not all, articles featuring the best Speakeasies in Bangkok. And it is there for a good reason. Havana Social’s theme and the concept is based on Cuba in the 1940s, before the infamous revolution by the nation’s former PM Fidel Castro. It was happier times for the island country, and they loved their cocktails. You could go for the straightforward drink called Absinthe Cocktail, with the green alcohol coming from a bottle of Prado. Or you could up the prestige with a Sazerac, a blend of Rittenhouse Rye and Absinthe from France, the La Fée Parisienne.
Black Amber
Black Amber is another name you have heard, probably on a list of the Best Barbers in Bangkok. However, this time it’s not exactly the same location, but instead just across the street on Thonglor. Black Amber Social Club is another bar designed to please your inner James Bond, oozing gentleman style and class. And one of their classiest drinks is Absinthe, served with a water fountain dripping on a cube of sugar. Now all you need to complete the experience is a nice ol’ cigar.
Rabbit Hole
Sitting almost literally next to Black Amber is Rabbit Hole, hidden behind a large wooden door next to the ever busy Ainu Japanese bar and restaurant. The speakeasy is incredibly easy to walk past, with no bouncers or any trace of activity. But once you find it, Rabbit Hole is a dark yet charming 3-story bar, evoking thoughts of a posh yet classy corner in New York City. Rabbit Hole’s menu is filled with fantastic cocktails, with their Absinthe based creations being the Absinthe Sour and the Purple Fairy.