There is a spirit named Absinthe.
Absinthe ( [ ˈæbsɪnθ ] or [ ˈæbsænθ ] French : [ apsɛ̃t ] ) is historically described as a distilled , highly alcoholic ( 45 -- 74 % ABV / 90 -- 148 U.S. proof ) beverage . It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from botanicals , including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium ( `` grand wormwood '' ) , together with green anise , sweet fennel , and other medicinal and culinary herbs . Although it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a liqueur , absinthe is not traditionally bottled with added sugar ; it is therefore classified as a spirit . Absinthe has often been portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen . Although absinthe was vilified , it has not been demonstrated to be any more dangerous than ordinary spirits .