In 1792, Dr. Pierre Ordinaire developed a recipe for absinthe in Switzerland, creating a medicinal elixir made from wormwood, anise, and fennel. This drink gained popularity for its purported health benefits and later became associated with the bohemian culture of the 19th century. Ordinaire's invention not only influenced the beverage industry but also sparked debates about the effects of alcohol on society.

Pierre Ordinaire's development of the absinthe recipe in 1792 laid the groundwork for the drink's cultural mystique. This fascination with absinthe influenced Romantic and Symbolist poets, who often explored themes of creativity, intoxication, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.