Absinthe Blog

The tools involved in the preparation and enjoyment of absinthe are nearly as famous as the green liqueur itself, and in fact the drinking ritual involves a number of unique tools and paraphernalia. The tools of absinthe preparation have been featured prominently in a number of famous works of art, including famous works by Pablo Picasso and other famous artists of the 20th century. These famous tools have also figured prominently in a number of classic novels, poems and other works of literature. With all this attention, it makes sense for all absinthe enthusiasts to take a look at the tools of the trade.

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.

For the complete Absinthe drinking experience, you would need a good Absinthe spoon.   This is not just your ordinary spoon; it is a slotted or perforated spoon where the sugar is dissolved. Once dissolved, it mixes with the absinthe and sweetens it. This is usually done by absinthe drinkers who want to reduce the liquor’s bitter taste.

The bowl of the Absinthe spoon is usually flat although drinkers can rest it on the glass rim because of the notch found in its handle. These spoons originated in the 1860s and usually feature a particular brand logo or name for advertising, similar to some alcohol paraphernalia that exist today.  Most of these spoons are made out of brass, which is plated in chrome, silver or gold.

In drinking Absinthe, you first have to place the spoon on the glass then stuff it with either one or two sugar cubes.  After that, you pour the Absinthe over it and see that it will dissolve the sugar.  But you would still need the water out of a decanter to create the typical louche.  The decanter is supposed to be filled with ice-cold water.  Once the water drips through the holes in the Absinthe spoon and into the Absinthe, the drink then changes from its green color to a milky white.

There is another less popular kind of the Absinthe spoon called “Les Cuilleres” spoon. The difference is that it has a spoon bowl that is quite normal and with a sugar holder that is built into its handle.  There are other varieties of Absinthe spoons on the market, usually replicas of original pieces made in larger quantities today.  But only the original Absinthe spoon will give you the perfect Absinthe drinking experience, just like you are sitting in the Moulin Rouge, the popular Absinthe bar in Montmartre, France.