Absinthe Makes a Comeback at Charlotte Marriott City Center

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. December 21, 2010

December 21, 2010 - Cocktail aficionados looking to take advantage of the newest trend in spirits should head over to Cutter's Cigar Bar at the Charlotte Marriott City Center where a new Absinthe Fountain is flowing as part of a cocktail revival.

As legend has it, the spirit drink Absinthe was created in the late 1700s by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire in Switzerland as a digestive tonic and to promote appetite. This anise-flavored distilled, highly alcoholic beverage is made from wormwood and other herbs and was also called "La Fee Verte" or "The Green Fairy" because it was believed to make you hallucinate.

Although Absinthe had been banned in the United States and most European countries for nearly a century, a majority of the allegations regarding the dangers of the spirit were perpetuated by competitors who had ulterior motives for getting the product off the market. A revival began in the 1990s when countries in the European Union began to reauthorize its manufacture and sale. The Absinthe blend currently on the market is completely legal and meets the US standards for content.

Today, patrons of Cutter's Cigar Bar at the Charlotte Marriott City Center can participate in the very intriguing experience of the Absinthe Fountain. According to Shea Gottshall, Director of Restaurants at the hotel, a glass containing an ounce of Lucid Absinthe is placed underneath the fountain which is filled with ice cold water. A specially designed spoon holding a raw sugar cube is placed on top of the glass. The ice cold water is slowly "dropped" onto the sugar, allowing the sugar water to be released into the glass and mixed with the spirit. Once the "louche" is created and the oils in the spirit are released to create the classic green and opaque appearance, the cocktail is complete.

"The slow process of the absinthe drink allows us to patiently anticipate and appreciate the art of building a cocktail," adds Mr. Gottshall.

The Absinthe Fountain is part of an overall cocktail revival at the Charlotte Marriott City Center where local seasonal ingredients are incorporated into many cocktails including making house bitters for Cutter's Cigar Bar. Fresh farm produce such as chocolate mint, arugula, and seasonal berries are also used in cocktails. With the growing demand of “retro cocktails,” Cutter's has reintroduced such classics as the “New” Old Fashioned, and the Sazerac, comprised of Rye Whiskey, Lucid Absinthe, Peychaud's Bitters, house-made simple syrup, and a lemon twist.

Situated in the heart of downtown Charlotte, NC, the Charlotte Marriott City Center hotel recently completed a $10 million renovation. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with 37" LCD TVs and new Marriott signature bedding as well as completely overhauled wired and wireless Internet. The hotel's many dining and cocktail outlets include fine dining at Savannah Red Restaurant and Wine Bar, spirits and smoking at Cutter's Cigar Bar, a fun and relaxed atmosphere at Champion's Sports Bar & Restaurant, as well as the new Rooftop Garden. Other facilities include a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and whirlpool. For additional information, visit www.MarriottCityCenter.com or call 704-333-9000.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's original and most widely distributed brand, with 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries. Marriott continues to inspire a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information visit www.meetthedriven.com, or follow us on Twitter, at www.twitter.com/marriotthotels.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.