The Absinthe Spoon

Of all of her gifts, it has to be the greatest the Green Fairy has given to us. The Absinthe Spoon. It has been around for over 200 years and yet has remained relatively unchanged since its introduction during the Grand Belle Epoque, the height of absinthe popularity. If you look, you can find an absinthe spoon today that is just like the one your great, great grandfather used to mix his absinthe. Simple yet elegant, they are specially designed with perforations to allow water to drip through them. Absinthe spoons are placed on top of your glass after adding your absinthe and a sugar cube is then placed on top of the spoon. Water is then poured through the perforations of the spoon over the cube into the absinthe producing the Louche Effect. Similar to spoons, there are also absinthe grilles. They serve the same purpose as a spoon allowing a place for the sugar to be secured above your drink. Some absintheurs prefer grilles as their surface area is larger for holding the sugar cube. Here are a few unusual pieces of absinthe ware for your enjoyment.




Why Use A Spoon?

I had someone ask me “Why buy an absinthe spoon? Why can’t you just use an absinthe fork in its place?” Now this is not really a bad question. You would certainly have no problems mixing your absinthe with a fork. But we all know that if a true Absintheur saw you using a fork to mix your absinthe, they would probably seize your liquor, give you a ticket for “Abuse of Absinthe” and most likely do that glove slap thing across your face! You will most definitely need this genuine article to properly perform the ritual. If you want to do something right, you need the right accessories. Don't look like an amateur by using anything other than the real deal!

Absinthe Spoons Styles

If you have begun to familiarize yourself with Absinthe and absinthe accessories, you know that many different Absinthe Spoon styles to choose from. Different lengths, finishes and designs  are the major considerations.

Spoons come in basically 2 lengths - Shorts vs Long spoons.

Length is important if you if you prefer to mix your absinthe after louching. So if you use a tall glass, you will need a longer spoon. Something to note is a long spoon will work for both long and short glasses making it a more versatile choice. Conversely, a short spoon will only work on shorter glasses.

Absinthe spoons come in various finishes - Gold, Silver, Chrome and Stainless Steel.

Premium finishes, such as gold and silver, are really quite beautiful. Nothing says class like a gold or silver plated absinthe spoon. Premium platings do, however, require special care. You must hand wash your Premium Spoon (no dishwasher) and they may require occasional polishing especially silver. You should always use a non abrasive cleaner to avoid damage to the finish. Premium finishes will of course cost more.

Chrome and Stainless Steel finishes are very durable. You can wash them in a dishwasher if desired and the will maintain their original appearance. If polishing is required, you would use a polish with the least amount of abrasive. Look for a polish designed for "Silver" as these are the least abrasive. Chrome and Stainless spoons will usually be less expensive.

Another thing to remember when choosing your spoon is that the quality of the spoon & intricacy of the design can play a big part in the price. A very intricate design or finely crafted spoon will always cost more than a more simple spoon.

As you shop for absinthe ware, look for the styles listed below. These are the most popular and easiest to find. Most are available in Gold, Silver, Chrome or Stainless finish. If you can't find the spoon you want in the finish you like, contact the dealer. They will usually make an effort to find the spoon you desire. To close-up pictures, click on name of the spoon below.

Croix
Leaf
Losange
1889 Spoon
Cuillere
Eiffel
Epoque
Guy Wormwood
Ouvragees
Paris
Trefles
Etoiles
Feuille
Fleche


One last word.....

Before you begin your adventure of gathering the absinthe items that best suit your personality, remember not all absinthe pieces are created equal. If you see 2 pieces that look the same but one is more expensive, there is most likely a quality difference. It is like anything else you buy - You get what you pay for. A good rule of thumb is to buy from a reputable seller who has a generous return policy. Most vendors rely on repeat customers so they offer superb customer service. If you have any problems, it is best to contact your absinthe vendor and explain your issue. It will usually be quickly resolved.

As you shop for your absinthe accessories, I hope this information will help you decide which style is best for you. Take a look at some preferred products below. Check back often as our absinthe content is updated regularly. We will soon be adding a section completely devoted to where and how to purchase Premium Quality Absinthe.