A little dilution from a good stir helps tame this spirit-forward aperitivo or late-night sipper, which mellows and becomes more pleasurable as you sip
Per the comment from Simon about dilution, I tried serving with a single large ice cube in a rocks glass and sipping it, there is definitely an optimum dilution and it's more than you think. I'd also suggest using a dropper for the absinthe and tasting, it can quickly overwhelm the drink.