Van Gogh's Regret is a recipe that, although its name is inspired by the tragic story of the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh, is actually a playful and symbolic variation of the traditional absinthe cocktail. Absinthe, known as "the green fairy," has a rich history dating back to the 19th century in Europe, particularly in France and Switzerland. This liquor became popular among artists and intellectuals, including Van Gogh, who is known for his turbulent life and the incident in which he cut off his own ear.
In various Latin American countries, absinthe has different names and ways of consumption. In Mexico, it is usually simply called "absenta" and is mainly consumed diluted with water and sugar, while in other countries like Argentina and Colombia it is often referred to as "licor de ajenjo" (wormwood liquor). Although the drink has cultural and even mystical connotations, the traditional preparation with sugar and water remains the most common way to enjoy it.