Is absinthe still banned in France

A. The drink is officially banned in France, although consumption remains high. The high-strength drink - at least double the strength of most spirits - is supposed to engender hallucinations, libidinous displays and, in extreme cases, psychotic cases. France and other European countries banned it in 1915 after a series of high-profile incidents at around the turn of the century.

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There were several so-called 'absinthe murders' which were attributed to the drink and which prompted the French to impose and maintain its ban. That said, you can buy absinthe in France although the French refuse to sell new brands. Cultural giants including Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, were all enthusiasts of the drink.

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Q.� What is absinthe

A.� It is known as the 'green fairy' because of the green colour it takes once mixed with water. It should always be served well watered. It is distilled from aromatic herbs, the most active of which is wormwood (Artemisia absinthium).

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Q.� Is is available in the UK

A.� The British have always loved absinthe and illegal stills flouished until the drink was made commercially available in this country three years ago. A new absinthe, La Fee (the fairy), has recently been launched�here, although not in France. Its importer, Hertfordshire-based drinks company BBH Spirits, has developed the drink with strong aniseed overtones, so the taste is similar to Pernod. It has an alcohol content of 68 per cent.

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Q.� How is absinthe served

A.� Well, obviously well watered. It is becoming fashionable in trendy London watering holes. Chilled water is added through a special absinthe spoon and onto a lump of sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved and the glass filled with water,� the drink is slightly cloudy, and looks very similar to another French favourite, pastis. Absinthe is also used in cocktails.

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By Katharine MacColl

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