In 1853, Vincent Van Gogh was born in Zudert, Netherlands. Though he lived a very short life, he left a huge footprint in the art world. In fact, also on this date in 1987 when we were celebrating 134th birthday, his piece, “Sunflowers” sold for 39.85 million dollars, more than triple the record for an auctioned painting at the time.

Since Vincent was a well known lover of Absinthe. So to celebrate this his date of birth, I am introducing an absinthe drink thats been around a while. The first introduction to this drink was in The Savoy Cocktail Book in the 1930s. Now that absinthe is again legal in the United States, it’s place in your personal bar, in my opinion, is a must!

Chrysanthemum
1 tsp. Ansinthe
1 oz. Benedictine Liqueur
2 oz. Dry Vermouth
1 Orange Peal

Method: Pour ingredients, except orange peal, into a shaker and stir together. Add ice and stir for a minute. Strain into a cocktail glass. Take the orange peal and twist and squeeze over the cocktail, allowing the oil essence to escape. Rub the peal around the rim of the glass then drop into the drink.

This day in history:
1842 - Anesthesia was used in an operation for the very first time by Dr. Crawford W. Long.
1858 - Hyman L. Lipman of Philadelphia, PA patented the pencil.
1867 - Alaska was purchased from Russia for $7.2 million. That’s roughly two cents an acre!
1870 - The 15th Amendment to the US Constitution, which allows anyone of any race the right to vote, went into effect.
1981 - President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest by John Hinckley.
2002 - The Queen Mother Elizabeth died at the age of 102.

Notable Birthday:
Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch Post-Impressionist Painter and Drawer, was born on this date in 1853.

Notable Quote:
“Conscience is a man’s compass.” - Vincent Van Gogh