
In 1915 the drink - known to its adepts as "the Green Fairy" - was banned and remained so until very recently. Now it's again available in select stores and bars, made with a modified recipe excluding an ingredient identified as harmful. This follows an EU ruling that the French ban was unjustified. Absinthe is now acquiring a growing band of devotees. Johnny Depp, who discovered its appeal a few years ago, now says, "I've given up beer ... absinthe is my drink these days."
And good news for Canadian reader Wen Brodsky who a while back complained that he couldn't buy his favourite Red Bull energy drink in France. We pointed out that the product - sold in 140 countries worldwide - was forbidden here but was available close by in Italy and Monaco. The French claimed that one ingredient - taurine - had been shown to create mental disturbance in rats. Now Red Bull - minus taurine - will be available here. Wonder if it mixes well with absinthe?
The Riviera Reporter issue 127 - June/July 2008