While in Paris, I'd like to try these three drinks -
-Absinthe, with or w/out the green fairy
-Kir Royal, as an aperitif
-Pastis, Pernod or Ricard (5:1 water ratio?)

Would anyone have any specific advice about how, when or where to order?
I saw the Hotel Royal Fromentin recommended for the absinthe on another thread.

And I will thank any advisors in advance, as I don't believe in bumping more deserving questions out of the Top 25 for no good reason! Thank you very much.

pastis and kir royale you can order in almost any restaurant or cafe that serves alcohol. Kir (white wine with cassis) and the royal version (with champagne) and pastis are usually apparetifs you sip while looking at the menu, or as a pre-dinner drink. Although you can order them anytime!

oh meant to add...they will bring your pastis on its own and carafe of water...add water to taste! As much or as little as you want

What do you mean by "with or w/out the green fairy"?

I thought "the green fairy" was a nickname for absinthe itself. I've never heard of it being ordered "with a fairy" or without. IIRC, I had it in France but I can't remember where. I don't know common it is at a regular bar, I might have been at a club.

Thanks Cheryllj, I was referring to the presence or absence of thujone-containing wormwood, and all I meant was I'll take what I can get.

But now I wonder if pastis is really just "absinthe-lite."

So, <b>29FEB</b>, how did you do??
Have all three?

I had absinthe at the Relais St Germain's restaurant. Absinthe is the green fairy but not as powerful as long ago.
I prefer Pastis, especially the stronger PASTIS 51.
kir is more delicate.
If you don't like licorice, you won't like pastis.
If you like campari, try SUZE which is unavailable here.
Like Campari, it's a gentian based drink.