The Absinthe Crawl: Exploring NYC’s Best Absinthe Bars
Absinthe has long been a drink of mystery, ritual, and controversy. Known as la fée verte—the green fairy—this anise-flavored spirit has inspired artists, writers, and bohemians for centuries. Once banned for its supposed hallucinogenic effects, absinthe is now fully legal and enjoying a resurgence in craft cocktail bars across New York City.
For those looking to experience the allure of absinthe, there is no better way than embarking on an absinthe crawl through some of NYC’s most atmospheric bars. From traditional absinthe fountains to modern interpretations, this guide will take you through the best spots in the city to indulge in the green fairy’s spell.
A Brief History of Absinthe in New York City
Absinthe’s history in NYC dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was a favorite of artists and writers in bars throughout Greenwich Village. However, by 1912, the U.S. government banned absinthe, following similar bans in France and Switzerland, due to fears that its wormwood content caused hallucinations and madness.
The ban lasted nearly a century, but by 2007, modern science debunked these myths, and absinthe returned to American bars. Today, NYC bartenders embrace the traditional preparation—slowly dripping ice-cold water over a sugar cube into the glass—as well as contemporary absinthe cocktails that highlight its herbal complexity.
The Best Absinthe Bars in NYC
Maison Premiere (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
The Ultimate Absinthe Experience
Maison Premiere is the undisputed absinthe capital of New York City. Inspired by the absinthe houses of New Orleans and Paris, this elegant bar boasts the largest collection of absinthes in the city, served using traditional fountains that slowly drip water over sugar cubes into the glass.
What to Order:
Traditional Absinthe Service – Choose from a wide selection of absinthes, prepared tableside using the classic fountain method.
Green Fairy Cocktail – A mix of absinthe, citrus, and herbal liqueurs that balances bold flavors with delicate complexity.
With its vintage décor, marble bar, and old-world charm, Maison Premiere is a must-visit for any absinthe lover.
The Library at The NoMad (Flatiron)
A Hidden Absinthe Haven
Tucked inside the NoMad Hotel, The Library is an intimate, book-lined space that feels like stepping into a secret Parisian salon. While the bar is known for its sophisticated cocktail menu, absinthe plays a starring role, often appearing in spirit-forward, luxurious drinks.
What to Order:
Death in the Afternoon – A Hemingway classic combining absinthe and Champagne for an effervescent, herbal kick.
Absinthe Sazerac – A twist on the New Orleans favorite, using absinthe in place of the traditional rinse for a bolder, greener profile.
Amor y Amargo (East Village)
For the Bitter and Bold
Amor y Amargo specializes in bitters and amari, making it an unexpected but excellent stop on an absinthe crawl. While they do not offer traditional absinthe service, they incorporate absinthe into some of the most complex and layered cocktails in the city.
What to Order:
Eighth Circle – A stirred cocktail featuring absinthe, mezcal, and Italian bitters for a smoky, herbal experience.
Bitter Fairy – A combination of absinthe, Cynar, and dry vermouth that plays with bitter and botanical flavors.
For those who appreciate the more intense, bitter side of absinthe, Amor y Amargo provides a unique take on the green fairy.
The Back Room (Lower East Side)
A Prohibition-Era Speakeasy with an Absinthe Twist
The Back Room is one of NYC’s last real speakeasies, dating back to Prohibition. Hidden behind a toy shop facade, this dimly lit bar serves cocktails in teacups to maintain its historical aesthetic. Absinthe makes its way into several vintage-style drinks, offering a taste of old New York.
What to Order:
Absinthe Old Fashioned – A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, replacing whiskey with absinthe for a stronger herbal punch.
Tea Cup Fairy – A secret off-menu cocktail featuring absinthe and gin, served in the signature speakeasy teacup.
The Back Room’s speakeasy ambiance adds a layer of intrigue to the absinthe experience, making it an essential stop on the crawl.
Garfunkel’s (Lower East Side)
A Speakeasy with a Modern Absinthe Menu
Located above a historic bank vault, Garfunkel’s blends vintage luxury with contemporary cocktail craftsmanship. Their absinthe menu features both classic preparations and creative variations that highlight the spirit’s versatility.
What to Order:
Emerald Elixir – Absinthe, green Chartreuse, and lime juice, creating a bright and herbaceous cocktail.
Wormwood Collins – A long, refreshing absinthe drink with lemon, honey, and club soda.
Garfunkel’s offers a balance of old-world glamour and modern mixology, making it a well-rounded addition to any absinthe-focused evening.
Planning the Perfect Absinthe Crawl in NYC
For those looking to explore New York’s absinthe scene in one evening, the best approach is to visit bars within close proximity of each other.
Suggested Route:
Start at Amor y Amargo for a bold, bitters-heavy introduction to absinthe.
Head to The Library at The NoMad for a more refined, literary-inspired absinthe experience.
Stop by The Back Room for a speakeasy atmosphere and vintage-style absinthe cocktails.
End the night at Maison Premiere, where the full absinthe ritual can be experienced at its finest.
For a more relaxed pace, spread these visits out over multiple evenings, allowing time to fully appreciate each bar’s take on absinthe.
Experience the Green Fairy at Your Own Event
For those who want to bring the magic of absinthe to a private event, Art of the Cocktail offers an immersive absinthe experience, featuring:
Traditional absinthe service with authentic fountains and slow-drip preparation.
Absinthe cocktail stations with classics like the Death in the Afternoon and the Sazerac.
Expert mixologists who guide guests through the history, myths, and rituals of absinthe.
Whether it is a private tasting, a themed party, or a unique corporate event, the absinthe experience adds an element of mystery and elegance to any gathering.
The Green Fairy’s Legacy Lives On
Absinthe’s journey from forbidden spirit to craft cocktail essential has been long and storied, but its mystique remains intact. Whether served traditionally or as part of an innovative cocktail, absinthe continues to captivate those who seek something beyond the ordinary.
For those ready to embrace the spirit’s complex and enigmatic nature, an absinthe crawl through New York City offers an unforgettable experience. And for those looking to bring the ritual to their own event, the right mixologists can make the green fairy dance wherever the night takes you.
