Herbsaint started out as an anise-flavored liqueur
initially created to be an absinthe-substitute in New Orleans Louisiana in
1934. Created by J. Marion Legendre and Reginald Parker, the duo learned to
make absinthe in France during WWI. Originally produced under the name
“Legendre Absinthe,” the brand is now produced by Sazerac.
This is the original 1934 recipe, famous for its use as a
glass rinse in the Sazerac cocktail. A deep greenish brown, flavor is a deep
and rich licorice character, not overly sweet. 100 proof.
The spirit was introduced just after Prohibition had
ended, and was designed to mimic absinth, which was banned in 1912. Herbsaint
was never considered absinthe, as it did not contain wormwood, absinthe’s
signature ingredient. The Federal Alcohol Control Administration also opposed Legendre's
use of the word “absinthe,” and the name was changed to "Legendre
Herbsaint,” French Creole for "Herbe Sainte" (Sacred Herb), the
Artemisia absinthium.
Legendre Herbsaint is the vintage-styled Herbsaint, inspired by the World War I
era spirit, it has more floral, herbaceous qualities.100 Proof
Sazerac Cocktail is considered by many to be America's
oldest cocktail! Made with Sazerac rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, Herbsaint, sugar,
and a lemon peel, it's a true classic. Try it! Recipe on back of bottle see
picture.