Absolut Rio: A Celebration of the City’s Vibrant Spirit and Culture 

Our Cities series exemplifies Absolut’s rich tradition of collaboration.  

Each limited-edition bottle release in the Cities series is a testament to our commitment to capturing and celebrating the essence of each city.  

Through the integration of the distinctive artistic styles and viewpoints of our creative collaborators, we honor the varied and vibrant essence of each city or country. This collaboration enables us to showcase the individuality and dynamism of every locale, underscoring our commitment to celebrating uniqueness and diversity. 

Join us in this post as we travel back to 2012 to revisit the release of Absolut Rio. 

The Taste of Rio 

As the mesmerizing and bustling “cidade maravilhosa” (beautiful city) of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a city brimming with an amalgamation of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. It is a place that embodies joy, passion, and an unyielding zest for life, characteristics that are translated into the unique flavor profile of the Absolut Rio vodka.  

Unlike many of the limited-edition bottles in our Cities series, Absolut Rio is a flavored vodka. But this isn’t just any flavored vodka because Rio isn’t just any city. The delectable flavors of passionfruit, orange, and mango mirror the diversity and effervescence of the city, creating a sensory experience that takes enthusiasts on a journey through the flavors of Rio’s tropical abundance. 

A Celebration of the People 

With a population estimated to be close to 14,000,000, the cultural fabric of Rio de Janeiro is a unique blend of influences that have contributed to the city’s identity. Brazil has one of the world’s most diverse cultures and Rio is a microcosm of that with people of various backgrounds, including European, African, and mixed heritage.  

In recognition of the vibrant spirit and diversity of Rio, Absolut partnered with the visionary Brazilian designer Oskar Metsavaht to design the bottle, honoring the essence and remarkable character of the city’s inhabitants, known as the ‘Cariocas’.  

Metsavaht took his inspiration from his own photos of Ipanema and then incorporated iconic elements such as the sandy beaches, the distinctive Ipanema sidewalk, and the majestic Dois Irmãos Mountain. It’s a celebration of Rio de Janeiro.  

And if it’s one thing Cariocas know how to do, it’s celebrating. Rio is home to the largest annual carnival party in the world. With around 5 million people flooding the streets to partake in the lively street parties known as “blocos de Rua”, Rio truly embodies the spirit of celebration. Absolut Rio is a flavorful tribute to the city and fitting companion to the exuberant and colorful culture of Rio de Janeiro. So, raise your glass as we toast to Rio! 

Want to learn more about our Absolut Rio limited-edition bottle? Discover more here!