National Absinthe Day is observed in the United States every March 5 and celebrates absinthe, a high-alcohol spirit often referred to as "the Green Fairy" due to its distinctive color. The drink is flavored with various herbs, including wormwood, anise, and fennel, and has a typical alcohol content of around 70% ABV. Absinthe's origins trace back to the 18th century, with the first distillery opening in Couvet, Switzerland, in 1797. It gained immense popularity in the 19th century, especially among Parisian writers and artists. However, by the end of the century, it became associated with social issues, leading to bans in several countries, including the United States in 1912. The drink saw a revival in the 1990s, and today it is often consumed by pouring it over sugar and iced water, sometimes with the sugar cube ignited.