Absinthiana - Absinthe Spoon

Absinthe Spoon

A perforated or slotted spoon is used to dissolve a sugar cube in a glass of absinthe, usually to sweeten the drink and counteract its mild bitterness. The bowl of the spoon is normally flat, with a notch in the handle where it rests on the rim of the glass. Originating circa the 1860s, absinthe spoons were often stamped with brand names or logos as advertising, much like modern alcohol paraphernalia. Sometimes they were sold as tourist items; for example, some might be shaped like the Eiffel tower, for example the spoon Eiffel Tower #7, which was made for the inauguration of the building in the year 1889.

"Les Cuilleres" spoons, a less-common variation of the absinthe spoon, are similar to iced tea spoons. By contrast, these have a normal spoon bowl and the sugar holder built into the handle.