Traditionally, the potent green liquor called absinthe is served with water and sugar to help cut its harsh bite of alcohol and strong mix of herbal flavors. Though a simple mix of absinthe, sugar, and water is something to be savored, the ever-exciting cuisine of New Orleans uses this divisive ingredient in a drink called the Obituary.

According to Punch, the Obituary was likely invented in NOLA's famed, centuries-old Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop bar somewhere in the early 1940s, and this absinthe-soaked concoction is a must-try for martini lovers. Like a classic martini, the Obituary uses gin and vermouth, and the gin must be strong enough to stand up to the absinthe.

Punch suggests using a classic London dry style gin, and Difford’s says that the classic Obituary ratio is 2 ounces of gin to 1/4 ounce of dry vermouth and 1/12 of an ounce of absinthe. The ingredients are stirred with ice and then strained into a cocktail glass for a martini-like sip with strong herbal anise and wormwood flavors.