The Absinthe we get over here is a bottled varierty at about 40% alcohol.
In Prague, where i tried it, they take a powdered version of it, add some sugar to the mix and burn it on a spoon, not unlike 'cooking up' heroine. When the mixture reaches melting point you mix it in a glass of water... The effects of this type of Absinthe are ridiculous. I was sick for days and saw things I never want to see again.
The less potent bottled variety is just like drinking goldschlager, jaeger or similar. Will get you drunk cos it is strong, but Beer is way nicer...