High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Absinthe (pronounced /ˈæbsɪnθ/ (deprecated template) AB-sinth, or ˈæbsænθ AB-santh) is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic (45-74% ABV / 90-148 proof) beverage. It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, commonly referred to as "grande wormwood," together with green anise and sweet fennel. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green colour but can also be colourless. It is commonly referred to in historical literature as "la fée verte" (the "green fairy" in French).