Absinthia began making absinthe in 1997, ten years before the ban on absinthe was lifted in the US. She is unique in that she not only makes absinthe but embodies it, serves it, and brings energy to the experience of absinthe. Nickel Dime cocktail syrups began when founder Jared walked into the Oaktown Spice Shop and purchased some tamarind paste, dried chilis, and cardamom pods.