LOL...Hooker you crack me up!

Never tried it.
I did try Ouzo when in Naples.
The sailors in the shop said you gotta try it.
Supper sweet,licorice tasting & syrupy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />
While in Germany,we would drink a shot of apple schnapps with a beer.
We saw some locals do it so we gave it a try. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
At least it was better than the Ouzo,but still super sweet.

Makers is about as crazy as I get. The older I get itseems the less I drink. Not sure why.

I've had the strong stuff in Turkey and it's not a drink I could sip and enjoy...I'd just knock a shot back in the hotel before going out. Felt like a fire in my stomach !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

When you mix it with water, its not really sweet like schnapps... at least not to me...

Doc

In Turkey, the favorite Anise Drink is Raki... it is thick like Ouzo... When you drink it you mix it with water and it goes from clear to a milky white... and it is then called Tiger's Milk... very strong...

Men sit around and drink it... I had a boss once that was from Turkey.. and his dad drank it... he hated it. When his dad came to the USA I met him and we consumed a lot of Tiger's Milk... It was a big male bonding thing and I was accorded lots of respect for hanging with the old man and getting sloshed on Tiger's Milk... a real manly thing... go figure...

It is similar to absinthe except it has no grande wormwood (the source of the thujone)... most connoisseurs would tell you the old absinthe standard is Pernod... although that which is manufactured today is not the same as in the beginning... although the modern version is certainly better made..

It is not all that great to drink.... certainly any quality scotch or bourbon is more pleasurable

Doc

I have a buddy that is Greek, and the Ouzo flows. Not too bad, then again Jager can make its way into a glass now and then.

Absente? With the picture of Van Gogh on the bottle?

I've had more than a few rounds with it. There's a local Cigar Bar that makes a killer fruity Absinthe-rita. Considering the cheap stuff is 110 proof, it's a good way to get hammered fast. Shots are NOT the way to do it, unless you like spending the following day crying into a bucket <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. The Traditional method is easy enough, Sugar cube, cold water, and a bit in the bottom of a glass. I agree, it does take quite some time to start feeling the alcohol this way. Try pouring a small amount into a dish, and placing thinly sliced apple wedges in it until they soak it up. Quite tasty that way.

Oh, one last thing.... Does NOT mix well with Tequila!

I've tried a few brands, Lucid being the most expensive domestic brand. Absente is the cheapest I have around here, about 60$ a bottle. Lucid is more around 80$. A friend of mine made a special trip to Germany and brought a bottle back. Not sure what the proof was (probably stronger than either of the above mentioned brands), but I do know he payed close to 400$ for the bottle... We only sipped that one.

The tequila mixer was on Christmas eve 2 years ago. To this day, anything that tastes like Licorice make me retch <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />. Haven't touched the stuff since. Jager is out of the question too. This is one that if you abuse it once, it'll haunt you for the rest of your life <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm a fan. I've tried several brands. I tend to be more a fan of the French absinthes. Not a fan of the Czech ones that I have tried.

My favorite (in terms of how often I partake) is actually Francois Guy which would get me some incredulous stares as it's not exactly a connoisseur's pick (to put it mildly). Very low ABV for absinthe (45% I believe). Way too flowery for most peoples' tastes... but I quite enjoy it. You don't need to dilute it or add sugar either, as it's pretty sweet and already low ABV.

I generally import it, however Lucid is not that bad all things considered and it's available most anywhere. It also does not need sugar IMO. I haven't really looked around recently for new brands available in the US.

I also enjoy ouzo from time to time.

Ironically, I hate licorice candy.

I have never tried it....after this discussion I will have to change that

Dan

Give it a try Dan! I finally ordered a bottle of the Lucid Absinthe. Should get it soon. It equates to 140 proof alcohol so I'll go a little easy on it since it is my first time. It's a bit more potent than my usual Crown Royal or Makers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />