The minimum tools needed to prepare a proper glass of this green liqueur include a clean glass, a sugar cube, a specially designed slotted spoon and a supply of chilled water. When it comes to combining these ingredients, the ritual surrounding the creation of a proper glass of absinthe hold nearly as much mystery as the drink itself, and just thinking about the many famous individuals who have shared this ritual, from Ernest Hemmingway to Pablo Picasso, adds to the allure.

The Absinthe Spoon

The absinthe spoon is perhaps the most famous of all absinthe paraphernalia, and antique spoons have often been top sellers at auction and on the collectors market. What makes the spoon suitable for absinthe preparation are the special slots of holes they contain. During the preparation of a glass of absinthe, a sugar cube is placed atop one of these specially slotted spoons, and a glass of cold water is poured over the top of the spoon, melting the sugar and relieving the drinker of the notoriously bitter taste of the drink.

The Absinthe Glass

Many antique absinthe glasses, especially those with a long and storied history, have also sold for great sums of money, and for many absinthe connoisseurs the glass itself is a big part of the preparation ritual. The classic absinthe glass is generally between six and seven inches tall, perfect for pouring the perfect glass of this classic green liquid.

The Absinthe Fountain

For those in search of something a little more special and a little unique, there is the absinthe fountain. The absinthe fountain represents perhaps the utmost in the absinthe ritual, and these elegant contraptions were a focal point of absinthe enjoyment in the past. These absinthe fountains were ornate creations of metal and glass, equipped with two to six small spigots. The upper glass part was filled with ice and water, allowing the absinthe drinkers to place their glasses, with the sugar cube in place, under the spigot and allow the water to slowly drip into the glass and melt the sugar. Absinthe fountains are still available from time to time, although the prices tend to be quite high.

Types of Absinthe Glasses

Tarragona style crystal glass – This antique hand-blown and hand-cut crystal glass comes with a matching brouilleur. You would be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the Absinthe’s louche since this is made of fine, crystal-clear glass. The matching brouilleur delivers a fine and steady drip into the glass. Connoisseurs say that the preparation of Absinthe is most enjoyable with the use of this Absinthe glass.

Cordon reservoir glass – This is one of the rarest of all Absinthe glass styles. This circa 1900 hand-blown cordon glass has a raised glass band that defines the ideal Absinthe dose, which is approximately 2,5cl. This Absinthe glass is gorgeous to hold and is perfectly proportioned.

Reservoir and Pontarlier glasses – These rare reservoir glasses come in different sizes and shapes but are normally about six inches high. These have a clearly differentiated reservoir at the base for an Absinthe serving. The Pontarlier glass is a particularly desirable reservoir style that has a unique outwards swell to the reservoir.

Chope Yvonne glass – This glass is not solely for Absinthe, but also for beer. It is a tall and narrow glass that can either be plain or faceted. Some of these glasses have an etched line to mark the alcohol dose.

East glass – This is believed to have originated from the East of France. It is an unusually large Y-shaped glass that has three horizontal lines etched into the glass to mark the dose.

Egg and swirl glass – This Absinthe glass is also used for other drinks. It has a swirl design that acts as a reference for an Absinthe dose. Some egg glasses have an etched line marking the dose.