Absinthe in the UK?

I read an article at escapeartist.com that said you can get absinthe in the UK -- is that true?

I thinks so because today watching a cooking show I saw a man make a drink with Absinthe in it. 
My question: is it safe to drink?

My question: is it safe to drink?

I think it can be both addictive and toxic over time. I don't know exactly what it does, but I've always wanted just to try it to see what all those turn of the century bohemian types were so crazy about.

I would have never imagined someone cooking with absinthe!

There's a brand you can buy in the US called "Absente" that doesn't have the toxic ingredient, which I think is wormwood - not too sure about that part though.

Yes, it's wormwood.

People used to pour absinthe over a sugar cube.  As the cube melted, the sugar turned the drink bright, iridescent green.  Supposedly, the combined effect of the alcohol and wormwood was almost like opium, and people got really, really, really f-ed up on it.  Yes, it did get addictive-like opium dreams, it becomes a world you really don't want to leave-and it could be pretty deadly because of how raging the addiction became.  (Plus, wormwood is poison, so too much of it isn't a good thing.)

I've always wanted to try it, so I'm looking forward even more to getting to the UK!

I've also heard mixed messages about absinthe. Dare I ask if anyone here has ever "done" mushrooms (shrooms)?

Yes, absinthe is readily available in the UK.  La Fee Absinthe (in my not so humble opinion - the best) is easily procured at Tesco or Harrods and probably a few other places.  Tesco sells it for about £20 a bottle.  It's touted to be the most "authentic" absinthe recipe. 

Hill's Absinthe is a Czech brand.  I've not actually seen it available very widely.  Don't know how good it is. 

Some pubs have absinthe available.  I understand there's a pub in Camden that serves a mean absinthe.  I have found it at my local Weatherspoons.

Anyway, I could babble on about absinthe but here's a link that will help you out as well: http://www.eabsinthe.com/

Yes, it's wormwood.

People used to pour absinthe over a sugar cube.  As the cube melted, the sugar turned the drink bright, iridescent green.  Supposedly, the combined effect of the alcohol and wormwood was almost like opium, and people got really, really, really f-ed up on it.  Yes, it did get addictive-like opium dreams, it becomes a world you really don't want to leave-and it could be pretty deadly because of how raging the addiction became.  (Plus, wormwood is poison, so too much of it isn't a good thing.)

I've always wanted to try it, so I'm looking forward even more to getting to the UK!

The thing about absinthe is that it's 136 proof, so having one glass of absinthe is like have 2 or 3 shots of some other type of alcohol at once.  The stuff is absolutely noxious if one tries to drink it straight (believe me, I know from personal experience on this one).  It's not exactly tasty when diluted as it should be despite the sugar.  It's definitely an acquired taste.  The other thing is that the effect one feels from absinthe is not like one would experience with conventional alcohol.  Not sure how to describe it except I think I described it as a "fuzzy brain".  Of course this was after a glass of it...

I've also heard mixed messages about absinthe. Dare I ask if anyone here has ever "done" mushrooms (shrooms)?

I've never done shrooms but was totally taken aback a few weeks ago when I saw shrooms being sold everywhere!

SHROOMS?!
In the UK?
I've seen them in Amsterdam, but never here... !!

I've never done shrooms but was totally taken aback a few weeks ago when I saw shrooms being sold everywhere!

Um -- ahem -- come again?

I do not think it will ruin my solid professional reputation as a visual artist if I admit that, yes, I have eaten many a mushroom in my day. I've got nothing bad to say about the experience, but beware if you don't wanna get stuck in the space inside your head for awhile. Don't answer the door or telephone, and for the love of Pete never go out for smokes without an escort!

If you're seeing them for sale on the streets up there, something tells me I might never past those chalk horses and stone circles on my way to Bristol! Watch out! 

SHROOMS?!
In the UK?
I've seen them in Amsterdam, but never here... !!

Go to Camden!  They were all over the place, being sold by street vendors and in various head shops along the High Street!

Um -- ahem -- come again?

I do not think it will ruin my solid professional reputation as a visual artist if I admit that, yes, I have eaten many a mushroom in my day. I've got nothing bad to say about the experience, but beware if you don't wanna get stuck in the space inside your head for awhile. Don't answer the door or telephone, and for the love of Pete never go out for smokes without an escort!

If you're seeing them for sale on the streets up there, something tells me I might never past those chalk horses and stone circles on my way to Bristol! Watch out! 

If'n someone wants 'shrooms, I would suggest going to Camden.  My daughter and I stopped by this one vendor who had like a dozen different varieties it seemed. 

Go to Camden!  They were all over the place, being sold by street vendors and in various head shops along the High Street!

I understand there's a pub in Camden that serves a mean absinthe.  I have found it at my local Weatherspoons.

Looks like I'll have to drop in on this Camden...

Looks like I'll have to drop in on this Camden...

*le sigh* My beloved Camden....where all the Goths go to play...home to the Electric Ballroom and Camden Market and Fairy Gothmother and Cyberdog.  I was taking the daughter there to show her around the weekend before she went back home.  "See honey?  There ARE other people who dress like me!"  She was a bit weirded out.  It was a proud parent moment for me....

btw, if you are of the Gothy sort, the Devonshire Arms, Goth pub, way cool place to go.  That's also in Camden.

.... and for the love of Pete never go out for smokes without an escort!

ROFL! That reminds me of a night I had. I won't say more as I'll most likley crimilise myself but I wanted to say thanks. You've got me giggling non-stop now.