PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

Only at the Prospector: The Hallucination Shot, a delightful-for-those-who-can-handle-it combination of hazelnut Kahlua, milk and absinthe, the barely legal liquor that may or may not have skewed van Gogh’s madness toward ear-slicing territory. Despite absinthe’s infamy, it puts this foaming formula for fun on par with a White Russian—should the Russian decide to vacation in the Swiss Alps and pick up some steroids for improved skiing performance. If you can withstand the Hallucination Shot’s initial potent blast (no upchuck allowed) this combination of all things holy/unholy reveals a cool and minty aftertaste, kind of like eating a hundred booze-soaked York Peppermint Patties. It’s a quirky offering that perfectly suits a place like the Prospector, where ancient Americana sits alongside longtime locals in Hawaiian shirts and young folks who chug Pabst Blue Ribbon not just for the irony but the taste, too. Contrary to the name, no hallucinations were felt—at least when I tried it. But if you happen in on a karaoke night (Wednesdays and Fridays), you may feel as though you’ve taken the train to Seeing-Things-That-Aren’t-Really-Theresville: Absinthe plus Jimmy Buffett plus a Scotch-taped disco ball? This ain’t a dream, baby, it’s for real.

THE PROSPECTOR FAMILY RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL LOUNGE 2400 E SEVENTH ST | LONG BEACH 90804 | 562.438.3839

Tags: absinthe, Drink of the Week, Long Beach, prospector