Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, we present “Love in the Afternoon,” a delicious combination of Toulouse Red and Champagne.

Add a shot of Toulouse Red to a champagne flute, and top with Champagne. Happy New Year!

The first cocktail, many say. Our version updates the classic with Toulouse Red.

1-1/2 shots of Rye
1 sugar cube (or substitute 1/2 ounce simple syrup)
Absinthe to coat the glass
4 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
Lemon peel

Fill up one rocks glass with ice and in a second rocks glass add the sugar cube (saturated with water). Crush/muddle the cube and add the bitters. Add in the rye. Dump the ice from the first rocks glass and add just enough absinthe so you can coat the glass. Discard/set aside (for drinking later) the remaining absinthe. Fill the first, chilled glass with the contents of the second glass. Garnish with a lemon peel strip and enjoy.

A bracing and flavorful cocktail!

This delightful absinthe cocktail is courtesy of Cyndi Wiseman, manager at Ste. Marie, 930 Poydras St., New Orleans, who created it for Dee from Dee’s Coffee, 401 Baronne St., New Orleans.

1.5 oz Toulouse Red Absinthe
1 oz. St. Germain
1 oz. Luxardo
.25 oz. lemon juice
Top with Cava

Shake in a tin and serve in a martini glass.

Atelier Vie spirits are also available at Pearl Wine, 3700 Orleans Ave., New Orleans; Dorignacs, 710 Veterans Blvd., Metairie; and many other retail outlets. See our full list of retail locations.