Thinking of absinthe makes me think of France (and French artists)... which makes me think of kir... which is one of the great French drinks as far as I'm concerned. Both regular kir and kir royale. Lately, it occurred to me that I don't really need to go to Paris to have a kir... so I bought myself some crème de cassis and make them at home rather regularly. A kir royale, is of course, more of a rare treat.
Kir~6 oz dry white wine
1 tbsp crème de cassis
optional:
2 - 3 ice cubes
1 twist lemon peel
Combine ingredients in a large white wine glass. Twist the lemon peel to release the oil and drop it into the glass.
<img src="http://www.divshare.com/img/midsize/3913473-e53.JPG" border="0" />Kir royale~1 part crème de cassis
5 parts Champagne
Pour creme de cassis into a glass and gently pour champagne on top.
<img src="http://www.divshare.com/img/3913472-e39.jpg" border="0" />