COCOA POD BARSPOON
A Cocoa Pod for a Connoisseur :
Custom Mixology Spoon Commission
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR MERLENE'S BROTHER-IN-LAW
When Merlene got in touch, she had a very special gift in mind for her brother-in-law - a home mixology enthusiast with a particular love for Martinis.
Having seen my handcrafted brass bar spoons, she wanted to commission one that was completely unique - something personal, refined, and rooted in Caribbean craftsmanship.
The unusual length of the spoon inspired a new sustainable packaging - a bamboo tube. No waste, fast growing and beautiful to look at. Handmade by me of course!
HANDMADE IN BRASS, CHOSEN FOR ITS ANTI-MICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Her brother-in-law lives on a cocoa plantation in Trinidad, so Merlene decided the spoon would feature a cocoa pod mounted at the end of the handle - a subtle but meaningful symbol of where he lives and what he loves.
Each mixology spoon in my collection is a one-of-a-kind piece, designed for those who take their cocktails and their hosting seriously. Handmade in brass - chosen for its antimicrobial properties - the spoons feature elegantly elongated, hand-twisted handles for layering drinks with precision, topped with motifs inspired by Bajan icons like the trident and sugarcane.
They’re not only bar tools; they’re collector’s items for connoisseurs who believe that details matter.
MIXOLOGIST TESTED & APPROVED
Before starting the cocoa pod design, I lent my Trident Barspoon to local celebrity, female mixologist Rhea Cox, for her professional feedback.
She immediately praised the balance and weight of the spoon - and loved how the trident doubled as a tiny fork for scooping garnishes. Her suggestions: to introduce a gentle curve in the spoon for smoother mixing; and to tighten the twist in the shaft of the spoon.
So, armed with her insights, I refined the spoon’s profile - adding more twist and that elegant curve, carefully adjusting the bowl to hold exactly 5ml of liquid.
CRAFTING THE COCOA POD
Then came the real challenge: crafting the cocoa pod.
Cocoa pods are full of character - no two are ever alike. They’re beautifully irregular, deeply ridged, and full of subtle undulations. I began by studying their natural forms and sketching out the structure. My first templates were cut from paper before moving into copper sheet, which I hammered into shape to test the strength and curvature.
SHAPING THE BRASS
Once satisfied, I moved into brass.
Each segment was hand-formed, first with punches to raise the central ridges, then gently hammered with a domed hammer to bring the curved pieces together. The process required patience - sawing, filing, and adjusting millimetre by millimetre to ensure each join was tight enough to solder securely. I even left small air holes in the piece to prevent any pressure build-up when soldering. This actually took two attempts- the first one I could not get the overall curve I wanted and so I had to start again from scratch and adjust my method until I was happy.
THE FINAL DETAILS
The spoon’s handle was tapered and inserted into the base of the pod for strength before I carefully hammered the pod closed around it, allowing the handle to form the natural tip.
Dozens of solder joins, hours of planishing, and a slow, meticulous clean-up later - the final form emerged.
READY TO LIME
The finished piece is both sculptural and functional - an elegant, handcrafted brass bar spoon with a cocoa pod finial.
A celebration of two neighbouring cultures that champion the art of hosting, liming and fine drinks.
Made for those who lime in style.
Cheers!
🍸🌴