Critical mass in the absinthe category is being achieved, especially in the USA, where the number of bars and liquor stores carrying absinthe is growing. However, overall production volume is still relatively small at less than 250,000 cases globally per year. While absinthe faces ongoing challenges from misunderstandings about its effects, the category is growing due to factors like the use of all-natural production methods and increased popularity in cocktails. Innovation in absinthe may be less important currently as the market is still young and widely misunderstood.