In the 1870s, the phylloxera epidemic devastated French vineyards, leading to a significant decline in wine production and a surge in absinthe consumption as an alternative. The scarcity and high prices of wine prompted many to turn to absinthe, a potent spirit that became popular in Parisian cafés and among artists. This shift in consumption patterns reflected broader social changes and the impact of agricultural crises on cultural practices. Absinthe's rise during this period contributed to its association with bohemian lifestyles and artistic movements.

The phylloxera epidemic in the 1870s led to a surge in absinthe consumption, which became emblematic of bohemian culture. This shift was reflected in poetry that lamented or celebrated excess, capturing the tension between scarcity and indulgence in a rapidly changing society.