Ushering in the newest cocktail trend: the cocktail-less cocktail, Sasha Petraske opened White Star Bar last night in the LES.  Forget the rhubarb bitters and blood orange cardamom syrup, White Star Bar offers only two options:  absinthe and beer.

We stopped by at 9 p.m. on opening night to a pretty packed house full of absinthe junkies, bar scenesters and Sasha's friends & followers.  And, while the place was packed, there was still room to move as the absinthe flowed. 

Personally, I love the idea of the specialized bar without the frills, and White Star Bar delivers this simple concept with Petraske's impeccable taste and execution. 

White Star
21 Essex st.
212-995-5464