Absinthe spoons,Absinthe glasses, fountains, drippers and brouillers are all collectively known as Absinthiana and are the accoutrements used in the preparation of Absinthe. Due to high valued original items these antiques and collectibles are available at significant amount.
Companies like AbsintheKit.com sell replicas for the one who cannot afford original Absinthiana.A person can go through AbsintheKit.com for the preparation of perfect Absinthe.
Types of Absinthe Spoons
Absinthe spoons, cuilleres, were introduced in the 1880s to make Absinthe preparation easier. Previously perforated cups over Absinthe glasses had been used. These spoons were pierced or slotted to allow sugar and water to drip through into the absinthe.
Absinthe spoons or cuilleres come in various forms and are also made out of numerous different kinds of metal including silver, nickel and chrome. Absinthe spoons are available in more than 375 varieties according to Marie-Claude Delahaye.
“les feuilles d’Absinthe” are part of the French Pelle which have got Absinthe foliage designs on them. In 1889 the opening of the Eiffel Tower was commemorated by the famous spoon having the design of the Eiffel Tower.
There is also available a second group of Absinthe spoons popular as “les Grilles” or “Les Grillagees”. The third and final group is called “Les cuilleres” and includes designs with a long handle and a cradle to hold the cube of sugar.
“Les Cuilleres de Poilus” is among the most famous Absinthe spoons. A Poilu was a French soldier from the Great War and these Cuillere spoons were designed by soldiers at war from the materials that were easily available to them. These spoons were only made at the start of the war because Absinthe was banned in France in 1915. These spoons were designed by the soldiers to fit their own drinking cups. One can find these beautiful and unique spoons as highly collectible antiques.
Absinthe was banned because of the alleged psychedelic and psychoactive effects of thujone, the chemical found in the herb wormwood which is a major ingredient in Absinthe. In the 1990s Absinthe was given right in most countries because it was known that Absinthe was not dangerous for anyone.
The Absinthe Ritual
There is a ritual to be followed by lovers of the Green Fairy (Absinthe). To make the perfect Absinthe one will require following items
– Getting an Absinthe spoon
– Need of an Absinthe Glass
– Absinthe
– One has to take iced water
According to some people an Absinthe fountain, brouiller or carafe can be used for the water.
Methods to prepare the Absinthe:-
– A person should pour approximately 25-50ml of Absinthe into his glass.
– Rest your Absinthe spoon (cuillere) on the glass and place a cube of sugar on it.
– A person should slowly drop the iced water over the sugar cube. You should begin to see the louche happening from the bottom of the glass.
Due to insolubility of the essential oils in water louche is visible. The drink should be milky or cloudy after being finished.
The correct ratio of water and Absinthe is between 3:1 (Water to Absinthe) and 5:1 depending on taste.
Use of Absinthe spoons and other Absinthiana helps a person to enjoy the Absinthe ritual.