Overview

This is a vintage mexelote, more commonly called a caralhinho or “poncha stick” – the traditional wooden muddler used on the Portuguese island of Madeira to mix and froth poncha, a cocktail of sugarcane rum, honey, and citrus. A faint pencil inscription on the handle, likely reading an old Portuguese Escudos price, suggests this piece predates Portugal’s 2002 transition to the Euro. This piece is not linked to any documented Craft World Tours itinerary; its identification is based on visual and reference analysis of the piece itself.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: A double-tapered turned wooden spindle with ring-turned decorative segments and X-notch carving along the shaft, spun between the palms to agitate the drink; a carved interlocking-block starburst cluster is set mid-shaft as the working muddler head. Approximately 14-15″ long overall.
Artistry & Ornamentation: Turned rings and notch carving along the shaft; the muddler head is carved so that loose interlocking blocks are trapped within the piece without glue or joinery, a traditional whittling showcase technique.
Structural Base: Solid turned and carved wood, single piece.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: Consistent with age and genuine use; light surface wear.
Structural Integrity: Stable and structurally sound; the interlocking muddler head is secure. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.

poncha stick

Vintage Madeiran Mexelote (Caralhinho) Poncha Stick, Carved Muddler