Introducing Absolut KAWS — Our New Artist Edition Bottle 

At Absolut, we’re excited to introduce Absolut KAWS — our latest Artist Edition bottle, created in collaboration with world-leading contemporary artist KAWS. The result is unlike anything we’ve put on the shelf before. 

And, of course, every great collaboration needs a signature cocktail — meet the ABSOLUT® XXpresso Martini. Learn more about the drink below. But first…

Who is KAWS? 

KAWS — born Brian Donnelly in 1974 — is one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists, renowned for blurring the boundaries between fine art, design and popular culture.  

Growing up in New Jersey, he spent his teenage years tagging trains and billboards with his now-famous KAWS tag. Through his instantly recognizable characters, KAWS breaks barriers and makes thought-provoking work accessible to everyone — from gallery walls to city streets. 

His work has been exhibited at some of the world’s foremost cultural institutions, including the Serpentine Gallery in London, the Brooklyn Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 

What is the Absolut KAWS Artist Edition Bottle? 

The Absolut KAWS Artist Edition bottle reimagines our iconic apothecary-shaped bottle through KAWS’ unmistakable visual language.  

Inspired by a specially commissioned painting by KAWS, it features his famed “XX” motif and CHUM character on the front, and an image of the original painting on the back — transforming an everyday object into something unexpected and inviting you to see it from your own perspective. 

Absolut KAWS is the latest chapter in a long and celebrated history of artist collaborations — a tradition that has since involved more than 550 artists creating more than 850 works of art inspired by the Absolut bottle. KAWS is the next name in that lineage.

What Does KAWS Say About the Collaboration? 

“I am excited to join the lineage of great artists who have worked with Absolut Vodka over the decades. Many artists I admire have been commissioned by the brand to create artwork for their iconic ads, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to add my work on the Absolut bottle itself, too. My goal is to allow art to meet people in unexpected places and I hope my bottles will be enjoyed at gatherings around the world.” 

What is the Absolut KAWS Signature Cocktail? 

The ABSOLUT® XXpresso Martini is the signature cocktail of the Absolut KAWS Artist Edition bottle — a classic Espresso Martini…but unlike you’ve ever seen before. 

The ABSOLUT® XXpresso Martini is made with Absolut Vodka, Kahlúa and fresh espresso, garnished with ten coffee beans arranged in the shape of KAWS’ signature “XX” motif.  

Every great collaboration needs a signature drink. This is ours. 

Absolut XXpresso Martini Ingredients: 

• 50ml Absolut Vodka
• 25ml Kahlúa 
• 25ml Fresh Espresso 
• 10 Coffee Beans, to garnish 

Read more and learn how to make an Absolut XXpresso Martini.