Once upon a time, there were two men who distilled spirits.They eventually created St. George Absinthe Verte (a.k.a. "the green fairy")—the first American-made absinthe legally produced and sold in the U.S. in almost a century. It's made from fine brandy, plus ingredients like star anise, mint and wormwood. The result: a sweeter, aromatic spirit, which still packs a punch (120 proof) and requires just a little water to take the sting out. Try it in a cocktail like Death in the Afternoon (absinthe and Champagne), and you'll live happily ever after—at least until your buzz wears off.

$74.95 at Sherry-Lehmann.com

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