About this vodka

Absolut is made in and around the small town of Åhus in Skåne, southern Sweden, from local winter wheat and Swedish water. Its roots go back to 1879, when continuous distillation was pioneered in Sweden, and the modern brand launched in New York in 1979. The bottle, short and clear with no paper label, was inspired by an old Swedish medicine bottle and went on to become one of the most recognisable shapes in advertising, painted by Andy Warhol in 1985 and by hundreds of artists since.

In the glass it is rich and clean, with a light grain character, a hint of dried fruit and a smooth, rounded texture; there is no added sugar. That makes it a versatile all-rounder for the home bar: chilled and neat, in a Cosmopolitan or an Espresso Martini, or simply topped with soda and lime. A familiar, reliable name to have on hand when you are hosting.

Key facts

• Made in Åhus, southern Sweden, from Swedish winter wheat and water
• Continuously distilled, a method pioneered in Sweden in 1879; no added sugar
• Launched in New York in 1979 in a bottle inspired by an 18th-century Swedish medicine bottle
• Collaborations with artists since Andy Warhol in 1985

Tasting notes

Nose:

Clean, with light grain and a hint of dried fruit

Palate:

Rich and full-bodied for a vodka, smooth with soft cereal notes

Finish:

Clean, with a subtle fruity touch

Serve

Absolut and soda with a wedge of lime over plenty of ice; or a Cosmopolitan: 40 ml vodka, 15 ml triple sec, 30 ml cranberry juice and 10 ml lime juice, shaken and strained.

Food pairing

Pairs naturally with Scandinavian-style smoked fish or gravlax, and with Indian bar snacks like chilli paneer or masala peanuts.