Absinthe's popularity explodes….

The use of absinthe as a medicinal tonic continued into the 1840's and absinthe was issued as malaria and fever preventive as well as a treatment for dysentery. Absinthe was used widely in North Africa and given to French soldiers in the Algerian Campaign. Absinthe grew in popularity with the French soldiers and they would enjoy it in the Algerian cafes and nightclubs while on leave. At this point, absinthe became to be appreciated as a recreational drink and not just as a medicinal elixir.

Upon returning to France, the soldiers continued to drink absinthe recreationally. French bistros and cafes begun serving absinthe and its popularity rapidly spread. The Pernod Fils distillery ramped up their production to 20,000 liters of absinthe per day from twenty-six copper alembics.