Absinthe bottles

An absinthe topette is a small glass bottle (vial or carafe), often long and narrow or bulbous in shape, historically used in French cafés and bistros (especially during the Belle Époque, late 19th–early 20th century) to serve and measure absinthe (or more generally, spirits).

Characteristics and usage

  • Main function: It is a serving and measuring vessel. The waiter or café owner would fill the topette and leave it with the customer. The customer would pour the desired amount into their glass themselves (generally 2 to 4 cl per dose for absinthe), then return the topette. The cost of the drink was calculated based on the volume missing.
  • Dose markings: Many feature ridges (blown or engraved rings) or lines that correspond to one, two, or three doses (or more). They are sometimes referred to as "topettes with X doses" or "notched topettes."
  • Shapes: Small, simple vials (1 dose), models with ridges, or slightly larger carafes. They are generally made of clear or slightly tinted, mouth-blown glass and could come with a glass stopper.
  • Context: They were very common in drinking establishments for absinthe (the "Green Fairy"), but were also used for other strong spirits. Their use declined after the ban on absinthe (1915 in France) and almost completely disappeared between the 1920s and 1940s. Today, they are collector's items.

Origin of the word "topette"

Since the 18th century, the term has designated a small, long, and narrow bottle that is easy to carry (in a pocket, lunch basket, etc.). By extension, it also referred to the contents. It has other uses (cycling, pharmacy, etc.), but in the context of absinthe, it specifically refers to these bistro measuring bottles.