Absinthe, and the Marrakech winter

In Europe Absinthe is synonymous with a distilled highly alcoholic spirit and ‘little green fairies’, however with the local Moroccan population in Marrakech, it is something quite warming and welcoming with the colder winter period setting in when mint is out of season. This herbal tea drink is bought and made in much the same way as mint tea, first with green tea leaves then adding the absinthe herb stems.

Although illegal in some countries because of its stimulative drug properties, Moroccan Shiba (absinthe), with its delicate fragrant taste is sold readily by the portable herb sellers of Marrakech (pictured) found all round the Medina, who offer a vast range of the freshest herbs bought by families and shops on a daily basis.

Stay in a restored Riad boutique hotel in the old town and discover the Real Marrakech!