Gold-plated Swiss Cross Absinthe Spoon


This reproduction absinthe spoon originated in Switzerland, the birthplace of absinthe. 
Besides the cross in the middle of the grille representing the national emblem of Switzerland 
(a predominate feature in their flag), the Swiss cross is more importantly known as a sign of quality 
in the absinthe world. This cut-out cross allows the sugar 
and water to drop easily into the glass of absinthe.

This spoon is used in the preparation of a traditional French or Swiss absinthe. 
A traditional absinthe is prepared by pouring an ounce of absinthe into an absinthe glass, 
then placing the absinthe spoon on top of the glass and a sugar cube atop the spoon. 
Ice water is slowly dripped from a fountain, carafe or balancier onto the piece of sugar. The cold sugar 
water then drips from the spoon into the glass of absinthe releasing oils and perfuming the air with fennel, 
grand wormwood and anise. The combination also begins to turn milky white 
in color, as the water mixes with the anise.

Measures 6.5" (16.6 cm) in length.

Gold plated.

Will not tarnish.

Dishwasher safe.

Imported.

Because of the high proof of alcohol, sugar will not dissolve in absinthe without first being
dissolved with water. It is for this reason that water is slowly dripped onto a sugar cube which
then enables the sugar water to mix more easily with the absinthe. Besides the French being known
for having a big sweet tooth, the sugar is also used to cut the bitterness of absinthe. It was highly
frowned upon to drink absinthe without sugar during the pre-ban era.