What is Absolut Vodka?
Absolut Vodka can be seen on bar shelves across the world as a premium vodka for creating adventurous, hand-crafted cocktails or simply drinking straight from a glass. Absolutely is one of the largest brands of liquor in the world selling in over 126 countries. It has a very clean, crisp flavor.
History of Absolut
Absolut has a somewhat revolutionary past. Its creator, Lars Olsson Smith, left home at age 6 after his father declared bankruptcy. After attending school for a few years he went to work the docks where he watched huge volumes of vodka being sold. Realizing vodka could be exported and sold in various countries around the world, he set out to make a name for himself. He traveled around selling vodka and learning a new language every year. At 22 years old he became know as the “Vokda King” in his home country.
He created what was then called Rent Brannvin, which means “absolutely clean vodka” in response to a monopolized liquor market. Rent Brannvin is a still with a series of rectification columns that remove most impurities from the vodka leaving you with an extremely clean finished product. It did so well that it made Smith quite wealthy but also drove Sweden to monopolize his brand, calling it Absolut Rent Brannvin. From there, a higher end product called Absolut Vodka was introduced as the Vodka of Sweden.
Absolut’s Success
Absolut became a global product in 1979 and from there has become a powerhouse in the world of vodkas. Much of Absolut Vodka’s success can be attributed to their advanced advertising practices. Even very early on, Absolut was known to have whimsical advertisements that drew the attention of an audience. At one point, Absolut had a wildly successful campaign which featured a custom, commissioned artwork from popular artist Andy Warhol. Art has continued to be a major focus for the vodka maker, and Absolut has drawn in Hollywood types to hawk its product as well.
Absolut Vodka is nothing if not unique. Splashing on the scene as a newcomer in the late 1970s, Absolut gained notoriety for its unusually shaped bottle. For those interested in sustainability and environmental responsibility, Absolut takes the cake in that regard as well. From repurposing distillery byproducts as animal food to sourcing all of its wheat (used to make the vodka itself) from local farms.
Absolut Vodka has made a name for itself from its upstart history, advertising campaigns, and unique approach to the industry. Once an Absolut Vodka hits the glass, it makes its name all over again as a smooth, subtle vodka that can be fashioned in any way.
Fun Facts About Absolut Vodka
The byproducts or leftover stillage after distillation is fed to livestock so nothing is wasted.
Also, keeping to their sustainable business practices, each Absolut bottle is made from 40% recycled glass.
Andy Warhol used is as an aftershave.
It makes a great cleaning product.
Absolut is a very creative brand. For example, in 2005 they released a promotional 10 track album featuring artists Lenny Kravitz and Little Louie Vega amongst others. Some of their billboards also included headphone jacks so you could plugin and listen while waiting for the bus!
Absolut Vodka Prices
How Does Absolut Pricing Compare?
Absolut Vodka has made a name for itself as a premium vodka. It is important to compare prices with other vodkas of the same presumed quality. Obviously, there will be a notable price difference between a brand like Absolut, known for its impeccably smooth taste and a lesser brand that can be garnered in a plastic bottle.
When comparing brands of similar quality, or from the same shelf, Absolut comes out on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. As seen below, when compared to the average price of the competitors combined, Absolut Vodka is the more affordable option.
Absolut Vodka Prices List
| Type | Size | Average Price | ABV % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolut Vodka | 750ml | $18.99 | 40 |
| 1L | $25.99 | 40 | |
| 1.75L | $36.99 | 40 | |
| Absolut Elyx Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 40 |
| Absolut Citron Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 40 |
| Absolut Apeach Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Mandrin Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 40 |
| Absolut Vanilia Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Raspberri Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Peppar Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Pears Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Mango Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Grapefruit Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 40 |
| Absolut Watermelon Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 38 |
| Absolut Lime Vodka | 750ml | 18.99 | 40 |
Absolut Competitor Pricing
On average, Absolute it very reasonably priced in the premium vodka market. Its prices hover within a few dollars of their biggest competitors like Ketel One and Stolichnaya.
Absolut Vodka Calories
Another typical comparison amongst liquors is their impact on the dietary considerations of the customer. Vodka is known to be a lighter drink, which is why many diet-conscious drinkers prefer it over other liquors and certainly over the high caloric volume of wine and beer. The way vodka is distilled is unique in comparison to most other liquors. A process called column distillation removes almost all flavor and along with it, all the proteins from the finished product. This lends itself to the notable lack of taste in vodka and lower caloric content. The chart below outlines the calories in different serving sizes of vodka, along with a referencing point – the equivalent calories in the common apple.
Calories List
| Size | Proof | Calories | Equivalent calories of apple numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absolut Vodka | 1oz | 80 | 67 | 1 x |
| 1.5oz shot | 80 | 96 | 1.5 x | |
| 100g | 80 | 231 | 4 x |
Calorie breakdown: 0% fat, 0% carbs, 0% protein.
Common Mixed Drinks Recipes with Absolut Vodka
Absolut Vodka is commonly used as the premier ingredient in many cocktails and hand-crafted concoctions world-wide. Its subtle vodka taste, combined with a wide range of flavor options, provides the perfect ingredient for a fantastic elixir. While there are many unique creations in bars, saloons and speakeasies across the world, here are several more common and simple recipes sure to highlight the incredible taste of Absolut Vodka.
Bloody Mary
- Absolut Vodka: 1 ½ parts
- Tomato Juice: 4 parts
- Worcestershire Sauce: ¼ part
- Lemon Juice: ¼ part
- Hot Sauce: 2 shakes
- Horseradish: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Celery Stick
- Lemon Wedge
Mix all ingredients, aside from celery and lemon, in a mixing glass. Pour into a tall glass, preferably a high ball glass. Use celery and lemon (or basically anything you’d like) as garnish.
Lemon Drop
- Absolut Vodka: 1 part
- Lemon Juice: 2/3 part
- Triple Sec: ½ part
Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake. Pour shots into a chilled shot glass.
Moscow Mule
- Absolut Vodka: 1 2/3 parts
- Lime Juice: ¾ part
- Ginger Beer (1 can or bottle)
- 2 Lime Wedges
A mule mug is the best presentation of this cocktail, as the copper keeps drinks ice cold. Fill the mug with ice. Add Absolut Vodka, along with lime juice. Fill remaining space with ginger beer and garnish with lime.
Martini
- Dry Vermouth: 1/3 part
- Absolut Vodka: 2 parts
- Lemon Twist
- 1 Green Olive
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Stir (or shake, depending on customer) and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add olive and garnish with lemon.
Espresso Martini
- Absolut Vodka: 1 2/3 parts
- Kahlúa: ½ part
- Espresso Coffee (cold): 1 2/3 parts
- Simple Syrup: 1/3 part
- 3 Whole Coffee Beans
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add coffee beans as a unique garnish.
Vodka Tonic
- Absolut Vodka: 1 ½ parts
- onic Water: 5 parts
- Lime: 2 wedges
Add all ingredients to a tall glass, preferably a high ball glass, filled with ice. Use lime as garnish (some prefer lemon).
Great drink when mixed with the other ingredients. Am hooked onto the Bloody Mary variety.
Skœld!