Ice Reservoir Water Carafe
- DESCRIPTION
- Features
- instructions for Use
This unusual mouth-blown carafe was inspired by a similar piece produced in France in the late 1800's. It features an ice reservoir where the ice is added to keep the liquid inside the carafe chilled. Originally used for water, it is also perfect for chilling red wine or cold liquids.
Water carafes generally sat on bistro tables and were the most common method of preparing a traditional French/Swiss absinthe during the Belle Époque. The correct technique in using the carafe to make an absinthe is to pour the water slowly, or drip, onto the sugar cubes until the sugar has completely dissolved from the spoon and fallen into the glass of absinthe as sugar water. Since absinthe is made to one's own taste, the preparer decides the amount of water (and sugar) added.
The ice reservoir will vary in shape and size, as each carafe is mouth-blown and handmade.
- Measures approximately 2" (10 cm) in length.
- Made from solid, shiny pewter.
- Hand poured.
- Lead-free.
- Imported.
Upon receiving your fountain, we suggest washing it with warm or room-temperature water and a mild liquid soap. Do not use hot water. Do not put in the dishwasher.
Proper use consists of: pouring an amount of absinthe (typically an ounce) into an absinthe glass, laying an absinthe spoon on top of the glass, and placing a sugar cube atop the spoon. The fountain lid is removed, fresh room-temperature water is added to the glass bowl, and ice is added. It is advisable to first add room-temperature water to the fountain before adding ice. Adding ice first could cause a thermal shock, which can crack the glass. The temperature change of the water must be gradual. The spigot is slightly turned, and the cold water is slowly poured or dripped from the fountain's spigot onto the sugar. The water dilutes the sugar, and the cold, sugary water drips from the spoon into the glass of absinthe, releasing oils and perfuming the air with fennel, grand wormwood, and anise. The combination also turns milky white as the water mixes with the anise in the absinthe. Refresh water before each use.
Fountains will accommodate more than one person at a time, depending on the model. The drink ratio varies from 1 part absinthe to 3 to 5 parts water, depending on one's preference.
After use, allowing the glass globe to adjust to room temperature is recommended before washing. If you intend to use the fountain solely with water, run lukewarm or room-temperature water through the spouts, then allow the water to empty from the spouts and glass globe. Never use very hot water, as it could shock the glass. Open all spouts, turn the fountain upside down, and place it on top of a kitchen towel to allow it to dry completely.
California Prop 65 compliant when properly used.
