How Is Absinthe Made?

How Is Absinthe Made? Absinthe is made by redistilling neutral alcohol with botanicals—the “holy trinity” is wormwood, anise, and fennel—to create a concentrated, high-proof spirit. Other ingredients that are commonly added include hyssop, melissa, star anise, and lemon balm. Why is absinthe so weird? The chemical that’s taken all the blame for absinthe’s hallucinogenic reputation