The “green fairy,” as it’s known by some, is still a bit of a mysterious spirit. Absinthe has a rich history filled with rumors of addictive psychoactive properties. I don’t know about you, but that pretty much makes me want to drink it more. And these Seattle bars make that possible:

Le Zinc
One of the newer restaurant editions to Capitol Hill, this is the place for an absinthe lesson and it pours from a fancy fountain at the bar. All of bartender extraordinaire Andy McClellan’s cocktail creations—many include absinthe—are half off from 4 to 6pm daily. Also half off are four preparations of steamy mussels, like the Moules Forestiere with chanterelles, leeks, and crème fraiche.  An order of frites is $3 and as McClellan put it himself, the best reason to come in, “The bartenders are really hot.”

Gainsbourg
This funky, French in Greenwood offers happy hour from 4 to 6pm daily. There’s a worldly selection of absinthe varietals, and specialty cocktails, like a Death in the Afternoon with the green spirit and cava, are all a dollar off. The “Gainsbourger” (a play on the name of the bar and a burger, get it?) is $6, with add ons like Gruyere, bacon, bleu, and/or black forest for an extra buck. Other French inspired snacks vary from $2 to $4 as well.

Can Can
Sneak into this dark red-lit basement bar for “green hour” Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6pm and 11pm to 2am. Known for its racy, boudoir style shows, the Can Can was recently remodeled to better accommodate general walk-in bar service. The five Absinthe cocktails are on special for happy hour, as well as sliders for $7, mini mac and cheese for $6, and a cheese plate for $5. Monday it’s happy hour all night, meaning it’s half off all locally distilled spirits.

Pegasus Coffee House
Coffee house by day, absinthe-lounge by night. This Bainbridge Island spot opened it’s doors in 1980, and recently added a modest bar program focused on specialty beers and craft cocktails—many concocted with absinthe. From 3pm to close daily is “L’heure Verte,” with special cocktails from $5 to $6, and snacks like Jarlsberg fondue, and local charcuterie and cheese plates.