Remembering Forest Collins: The Spirit of Absinthe and Paris' Cocktail Scene

Remembering Forest Collins: The Spirit of Absinthe and Paris' Cocktail SceneWelcome to Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast, where we explore the wonderful world of French cuisine, culture, and everything delicious. Today’s episode is a special one—it's both a revisit and a tribute.This past week, the food and drink world lost an incredible voice, and I lost a friend and inspiration. Forest Collins, the brilliant mind behind the 52 Martinis blog and Paris Cocktail Talk podcast, sadly passed away. Forest was so much more than just a cocktail enthusiast. She was a passionate champion of Paris’s vibrant drinks scene—not just the drinks themselves but the people, the stories, and the places that made it all come alive.I first met Forest in Paris years ago, long before I started this podcast. Her warmth, knowledge, and sheer love for what she did were unforgettable. She was a member of the World’s 50 Best Bars Academy and served as President of the France chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, an organization devoted to women in the culinary and beverage industries.When I started Fabulously Delicious, Forest was one of the first people I reached out to as a guest. She was thrilled to join me to talk about Absinthe, a drink with as much intrigue and mystique as Forest herself. She didn’t just share her expertise—she also generously connected me with other wonderful guests like Tanisha and Preston Mohr, further enriching this podcast.So, in memory of Forest and to celebrate her remarkable spirit, I wanted to revisit this fabulous episode. Together, we’ll not only learn about the fascinating world of Absinthe but also get to know the extraordinary person Forest was.Forest, this one’s for youhttps://52martinis.com/Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’sSend us Fan MailSupport the showMy book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. This is a new 2026 update for the book and you’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.comYou can help keep the show thriving by becoming a paid subscriber on substack where you'll also get fabulous extra content. Every contribution makes a huge difference. Join here at Substack , Merci beaucoup!Newsletter Youtube Instagram Facebook Website