What is the World’s Worst Cocktail? Watch and find out!

In this video, Rico teams up with the crème de la crème of New Orleans, Louisiana to tackle the mission of rating and finding the world’s worst cocktail!

Who would want to do that?! Well, you’d be surprised! Joining Rico are Mason Hereford and Lauren Agudo from Turkey and the Wolf, Phil Cenac from Hungry Eyes, Nathan Barfield from Hot Stuff, and Colleen Quarls from Molly’s Rise and Shine.

The crew bravely tastes four “delicious” shots—the Tapeworm, Shells & Snaps, the Prairie Oyster, and the Bloody Brain. They’re also given a little – ahem – “palate cleanser” in the form of some Swedish Salty Licorice

Now let’s look at what’s in store for our brave panelists!

Tapeworm
Most people wouldn’t be able to get beyond the look of this shot, which quite literally looks like, errrrrr, a tapeworm. The Tapeworm shot has gained a reputation for being one of the most outrageous, both in appearance and flavor.

It mixes Absolut Peppar, a dash of hot sauce, ground black pepper, and a squirt of mayonnaise, it challenges even the most adventurous drinkers. 

As the panelists eye the shot, the question is: will they muster up the courage to give it a try?

Shells & Snaps
Next, the guests are invited to experience both Swedish midsummer and a Swedish crayfish party (kräftskiva) – both at once. A chilled shot of Absolut Vodka paired with a crayfish – skål! And yes, wearing a midsummer wreath (“midsommarkrans”) on your head and having a tiny maypole (“midsommar stång”) next to your glass is absolutely mandatory.

Will the visiting panelists fully embrace their visit to Sweden, or will they “offend” the nation by passing up this tradition?  

The Prairie Oyster
The Prairie Oyster is one of the oldest and most notorious shots of them all. Made with egg yolk, Cognac, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, hot pepper sauce, malt vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Yes, it’s a challenge!

As the panelists prepare to try this “unique shot”, they’ll be putting their taste buds and courage to the test, curious to see if its status meets their dread! 

The Bloody Brain
There’s no other way to say it nor play it down – the Bloody Brain shot is horrifyingly gory to look at, resembling, well, a bleeding brain. 

Despite its gory appearance, the Bloody Brain shot is actually sweet, creamy, zesty—and dare we say—delicious! But we didn’t tell the panelists. 

Made with Absolut Wild Berri, fresh lime juice, Irish Cream Liqueur, and a splash of grenadine, it’s a nice surprise shock for those brave enough to try it!

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Celebrating International Vodka Day

International Vodka Day is all about celebrating the spirit that’s shaken up cultures and cocktail menus across the globe.

Whether you’re into classic vodka cocktails or prefer to drink your vodka neat, today’s your chance to appreciate its versatility and craftsmanship – and maybe even discover a new favorite drink!

If you’re new to mixing cocktails, knowing where to start can seem a bit tricky. But fear not – we got you! In the video at the top of this page, Rico dives into vodka’s history, shares some home mixing techniques, and most importantly, shows how to make three of our most popular vodka cocktails to make at home.

Is October 4 National Vodka Day?


If you’re in the U.S., then yes – October 4 marks National Vodka Day but it’s also International Vodka Day (aka World Vodka Day) for the rest of the world.

So, no matter where you are, October 4 is the perfect day to grab your cocktail shaker, a bottle of your favorite Absolut Vodka, and raise a glass to this beloved spirit.

Looking for some drink-spiration? Watch Rico and award-winning bartender Hedda Bruce from Tjoget in Stockholm, Sweden, as they demonstrate how to make the ULTIMATE Espresso Martini!

How To Celebrate International Vodka Day

International Vodka Day is your chance to celebrate this versatile spirit in a style that’s uniquely yours. After all, everyone’s got their own taste, and that’s what makes it interesting.

Whether you’re a fan of classic vodka cocktails like a Mule or a Cosmopolitan made with our beloved Absolut Citron or want to get creative and experiment with other flavored vodkas, this is THE day to celebrate vodka in all its glory.

Need some drink-spiration? Check out the video below where Rico shakes up two versions of a Vesper Martini—a luxury spin and a classic version. Try it at your next home party and let your friends decide which one reigns supreme!

What Drink Should I Make for International Vodka Day?

That’s completely up to you! Whether you’re eager to try a new recipe that you’ve found online, make one of your favorites, or simply sip on a classic vodka tonic, the choice is yours.

Oh! And contrary to what many people think, it doesn’t require years of bartending experience or even a well-stocked fridge to make a great drink. In fact, many of the most beloved vodka cocktails in the world contain just three ingredients.

So, whatever cocktail you mix and however you decide to celebrate, we say cheers to International Vodka Day!

Absolut Boston was a Local Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle release and one of our many collaborations over the years.

Released in 2009, Absolut Boston was the third installment in our Cities series, a series celebrating incredible cities (and later countries) around the globe.

Batter up! Join us as take a stroll down memory lane to revisit Absolut Boston.

The “Green Monster” – the inspiration for Absolut Boston

What better way to capture the essence of Boston than by celebrating the iconic “Green Monster” at Fenway Park?

On each bottle, an inscription read: “In a city rich with monuments commemorating a nation, the one that stands above all is a dented green wall 37 feet tall, 240 feet long, and some 310 feet from home plate down the left-field lane.”

With its green backdrop the Absolut Boston limited edition bottle was a tribute to the infamous “Green Monster”, the nickname of the left field wall at Fenway Park, home of Boston Red Sox baseball team.

Another Kind of Boston Tea Party

When we set out to create Absolut Boston, we wanted to capture the city’s rich history—but with a twist! After all, doing things differently is part of Absolut’s DNA.

So, what better way to honor Boston than by tipping our hat to the most famous tea party in history? No, not the kind with crumpets and cucumber sandwiches, but the legendary Boston Tea Party of 1773.

In a playful nod to this revolutionary act, we infused Absolut Boston with the bold flavors of black tea and the delicate notes of elderflower. This unexpected combination struck a chord with bartenders and the good folks of Beantown alike, proving that sometimes the best way to celebrate history is to mix it up a bit—literally! Tea, anyone?

Beyond the Bottle—Preserving Water Quality and Green Spaces

To celebrate the launch of Absolut Boston, we constructed our own “Wall of pride” on Boston’s Boylston Plaza.

Made up of 28 green tiles, created and signed by various celebrities with ties to Boston, which were then auctioned off to raise money for charity.

We donated $50,000 to the Charles River Conservancy, a charity that strives to keep Boston’s drinking water clean and preserve the many green areas around the city. At Absolut, we understand the importance of pristine water.

We source our water locally from wells in southern Sweden that extend over 140 meters deep. This water has been naturally filtered through the Swedish bedrock for thousands of years, offering a unique mouthfeel that can’t be replicated in a lab. Given that 60% of vodka is pure water, this element is crucial in creating our vodka.

Join us in raising a glass to honor the legacy of Absolut Boston, a bottle that distilled the true essence of the city.

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Want to learn more about the Absolut Boston Local Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle? Explore Absolut Boston

While it might not be the ultimate cocktail conundrum, but if you’re like us and you love cocktails, you may have wondered if anybody can make a Raspberry Collins.

Well, to answer this pressing question, we decided to set up a studio challenge where we asked seven people to make the drink!  

Challenge accepted, we gave each of our guests all the ingredients they needed together with the essential bartending tools. So, how tricky could it be? 

What is in a Raspberry Collins? 

A classic Raspberry Collins cocktail is made gin, lemon juice, fresh muddled raspberries, simple syrup, Crème de Framboise (raspberry-flavored liqueur), soda water and garnished with a couple of raspberries. It’s a popular variation of a classic Tom Collins drink.

However, we put our guests to the test by asking them to make a vodka version of a Raspberry Collins using Absolut Raspberri – our deliciously fruity raspberry-flavored vodka – instead of gin and without the Crème de Framboise. Here at Absolut, we often refer to it as a Raspberri Collins.

How do you make a Raspberry Collins?

Honestly, the Raspberry Collins is an easy cocktail to make. Sure, you need to muddle some fresh raspberries and give everything a good shake, but there’s nothing too technical or fancy.

But from guessing which ingredient is which (!) to learning the art of using a cocktail shaking, straining, and garnishing, suffice to say each of our guests has their own “unique approach” to making the drink. 

So, two questions remain – were any of the drinks drinkable and what did the guests think of their own drink? 

You’re going to have to watch to find out!

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Absolut Los Angeles was a Local Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle release and part of our long-standing series celebrating cities and countries around the globe.

Absolut Los Angeles was, in fact, the second ever limited-edition bottle release in our Cities collaboration series.

Join us today as we walk the red carpet once again to revisit Absolut Los Angeles.

Los Angeles: A Boulevard of Dreams…and Vodka

Back in 2008, we launched Absolut Los Angeles, a Local Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle that paid homage to the boulevard of dreams.

For this city-inspired release, we aimed to capture the spirit of opportunity that LA represents—a place where people reach for the stars and pursue their dreams.

Los Angeles holds a special meaning for countless individuals, reflected in its vibrant culture and diverse community. By 2020, the Greater Los Angeles area boasted a population of 18.6 million, underscoring the city’s role as a beacon for dreamers worldwide.

At Absolut, we wanted to toast to all the dreamers.

Lights, Camera, Vodka!

There’s simply no city on the planet that’s quite like L.A. – a city that really needs to be visited to be believed.

With this in mind, we realized that for the limited-edition vodka release, we needed something special.  For Absolut Los Angeles, our innovators at home in Åhus, Sweden, spent over six months to find the perfect blend of flavors.

We even took a field trip to La-La Land to hold focus groups with local bartenders and vodka aficionados, to tune the palate. The end result was a flavor sooooooo L.A. it deserved a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

The flavor? An acai, acerola, pomegranate, and blueberry flavored vodka, of course!

Improving Nature in La-La Land

For the release of Absolut Los Angeles, we partnered with a charitable environmental organization called Green Way LA to help supports its “Green Streets” initiative.

Green Way LA is dedicated to restoring nature and natural functions in the city, encouraging urban residents to “live lightly” to improve the environment, health and welfare of their communities.

This resonated with us deeply since sustainability, including sustainable production, sustainable farming and community, sustainable packaging, and sustainable ingredients is something that’s very close to our hearts.

So, raise a glass and toast to the legacy of Absolut Los Angeles, a bottle that deserved its every moment in the spotlight!

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Want to learn more about the Absolut Los Angeles Local Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle? Explore Absolut Los Angeles

Here it is people! This year’s most anticipated vodka launch has arrived. We hope you’re sitting down as we present to you, Absolut Haring!

Absolut Haring is our proud collaboration with one of the world’s most influential pop artists of all time, Keith Haring (1958-1990). Rooted in the shared belief that art is for everybody, Absolut Haring Artist-Edition celebrates the legacy and movement of Keith Haring.

You see, Haring was all about shaking things up, taking art off museum walls and into the real world, and this bottle is ready to kick-start that movement for a new generation.

Championing creativity as a unifying force, just like Haring did on the gritty streets and pulsing subways of 1980s New York, this launch is your call to action. So, get up, get down, and grab yours before it’s gone!

Absolut x Haring: A collaboration of nearly 40 years

Almost forty years ago, at the suggestion of his friend—the one and only Andy Warhol—Keith Haring became the second artist to reimagine the iconic Absolut bottle.

He created four striking pieces, each showcasing the iconic silhouette front and center. The selected Absolut Haring artwork became a classic in our 1986 Absolut campaign. With Haring’s unmistakable red lines and a joyous crowd of dancing figures set against a bold yellow canvas, the artwork bursts with energy.

More than a bottle: Reawakening Haring’s Iconic Art

To celebrate this release of this artist-edition, we’ve created a Haring-inspired bottle like never before. This bottle isn’t just packaging—it’s a celebration in motion.

The debossed glass design features figures from the original 1986 painting, Haring’s own handwriting, signature and take on the Absolut medallion. The result is, well, a work of art in itself.

It blends the unmistakable soul of Haring’s art — those bold lines, electric colors, and dancing figures that lit up everything from subway tunnels to gallery walls —with Absolut’s belief in creativity as a catalyst for positive change. Join the movement!

Absolut Haring Fizz Signature Drink

With a bottle design this stunning, it demands a signature cocktail that’s just as bold and striking.

To capture Haring’s essence in a glass, the drinks team here at Absolut created the Absolut Haring Fizz—a cocktail that pays homage to the artist’s love for Asian cuisine.

A true fusion of art and flavor, the Absolut Haring Fizz combines Sesame-Washed Vodka, Citrus Sherbet, and Apple-Ginger Foam, resulting in a drink so unique, unlike anything else. Although it involves quite a bit of prep, like great art, some creations are simply worth the wait!

The Bottle is now available in Global Travel Retail and continuously rolled out in markets from October.

Want to learn more? Visit Absolut Haring

In our latest global initiative, Born to Mix, we blend the worlds of dance and mixology.  

Here, we celebrate the powerful connection between dance and cocktails, highlighting their shared creative ability to unite people and spark meaningful social connections.  

Born to Mix: A Celebration of Movement  

Mixing is movement. Whether we’re swirling, shaking, or stirring while crafting iconic cocktails like the Absolut Cosmo or the Absolut Espresso Martini, the process demands precision, rhythm, and creativity—much like dance.  

From viral social media trends to underground battles, dance is a universal language that transcends borders, energizes communities, and brings people together through shared expression. 

Dance and Cocktails: A Perfect Blend 

At the heart of our “Born to Mix – World of Absolut Cocktails” experience is a film crafted by a collective of global creatives, including renowned choreographer Shay Latukolan, where dance battles and cocktails intertwine.  

Directed by Henry Scholfield, one of the world’s leading music video directors, the film features a diverse group of world-class dancers whose infectiously choreographed moves bring Absolut’s most iconic vodka cocktail serves to life through energetic dance battles.   

From the smooth sophistication of the Absolut Cosmo to the fiery edge of a spicy Absolut Bloody Mary, each cocktail showcases joyful self-expression and liberating creativity.  

The dance battles are soundtracked to a bold cover version of En Vogue’s classic anthem, “Free Your Mind,” by rapper, DJ, and record producer Channel Tres. With powerful lyrics and danceable beats, the reimagined track makes for an unexpected yet perfect mix.  

Absolut’s Commitment to Creativity and Connection 

Deb Dasgupta, VP Global Marketing at Absolut Vodka, shares:  

“Absolut has always been a fierce champion of creativity and cultural change. With Born to Mix – World of Absolut Cocktails, we’re not just honoring that legacy, we’re elevating it. Dance today is the ultimate act of mixing – raw, real, and full of expression. By celebrating movement and mixology as universal languages, we’re inviting people to connect, express and spark cultural mixing – from the bar to the dance floor and beyond.” 

Absolut: A Catalyst for Cultural Mixing 

This latest initiative shows that we are a true catalyst for mixology—not just in drinks, but in culture.  

From introducing the first flavored vodka, Absolut Peppar in 1986, to helping define game-changing cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, thanks to Absolut Citron, we like to think we have shaped more than what people drink, but how they come together. 

Click here to watch the new film and listen to Channel Tres’ remix of “Free Your Mind”.

​Pride is celebrated around the world at various times throughout the year, showcasing the global spirit of LGBTQ+ unity. In the United States, Pride Month, also known as LGBTQ Pride Month, is observed every June. Meanwhile, other countries host their own pride celebrations, each adding its unique flair to the ongoing celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Here at Absolut, we believe Pride is something that should be celebrated every day. We’ve put together a list of five of the best Vodka cocktails to make at home whenever you choose to celebrate Pride!

These vodka cocktails cover every color of the rainbow, ensuring everyone’s tastes are celebrated. Cheers to that!

Screwdriver

With just two ingredients – Absolut Vodka and fresh-squeezed Orange Juice – the Screwdriver showcases how two elements, no matter how different from each other, can unite to form a perfect whole.

So simple yet so perfect, the Screwdriver is one of the most popular cocktails around the world. Discover the recipe for a Screwdriver cocktail.

Cosmopolitan

We asked Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, what he thinks of the Cosmopolitan. “It’s a citrus phenomenon,” he says. And he’s not the only one who thinks that.

The Cosmo is one of the most beloved cocktails in the world, ranking #2 on the list of the most popular cocktails of last year. Known for its signature pink hue and tart citrus flavors, a classic Cosmopolitan mixes Absolut Citron (Lemon-Flavored Vodka), Triple Sec, Sweetened Cranberry Juice, and Fresh Lime Juice. Check out the recipe for a Cosmopolitan.

Blue Andy

Let the Blue Andy inspire you—it’s a cocktail that boldly stands out and embraces its uniqueness! Its vibrant electric blue color turns heads for all the right reasons.

Made with Absolut Vodka, Apple Juice, and Blue Curaçao, topped up with Lemonade and garnished with a Lime Wedge, the Blue Andy cocktail is a fabulous blend of fruity and citrusy flavors.

Discover how to make a Blue Andy cocktail.

Vodka Basil Smash

The Vodka Basil Smash combines Absolut Vodka with the tartness of Lemon Juice, a touch of Simple Syrup to sweeten things up, and welcome twist of muddled Basil Leaves for a uniquely delicious experience.

This drink proves that when you mix things up, you get a smashing success! Just like Pride, it’s all about celebrating the unexpected and finding joy in the blend.

Discover our Vodka Basil Smash recipe.

Pornstar Martini

The Pornstar Martini struts its stuff with style, flaunting a glamorous blend of Absolut Vanilia (Vanilla-Flavored Vodka), Vanilla Syrup, fresh Passion Fruit, and muddled Pineapple, all paired with a cheeky shot of Champagne or Prosecco on the side.

It’s bold, sweet, and bursting with unapologetic flair, just like the spirit of Pride.

Check out our Pornstar Martini recipe.

Absolut Berlin was a Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle and part of our series celebrating cities and countries around the globe.

Each bottle in our Cities collection is made in collaboration with local artists to capture the authentic essence of their city through their unique perspective and artistic expression.

For Absolut Berlin, we partnered with a Berlin-based artist to Zhivago Duncan to bring the city’s vibrant energy and rebellious spirit to life.

Here, we revisit Absolut Berlin and explore the artist’s inspiration and the creative journey behind one-of-a-kind bottle design and unique collaboration.

Berlin: A city of Endless Inspiration and Creativity

In 2014, we launched Absolut Berlin, an homage to this creative mecca and the people who fuel it with talent, ideas, and energy. Choosing Berlin was a no-brainer, as its vibrant, multicultural, and artistic atmosphere perfectly embodies the spirit we celebrate.

One American newspaper likened Berlin to New York City in the 1980s, where affordable rents, ubiquitous graffiti, and an electrifying atmosphere of creativity characterize a city in transition.

Berlin has been the birthplace of renowned art movements such as Expressionism and the Bauhaus. Today, it remains one of the most creative cities in the world, a place buzzing with artists, musicians, filmmakers, performers, and video game developers.

Capturing Berlin’s Spirit with Artist Zhivago Duncan

To capture the spirit of Berlin in the bottle design, Absolut turned to Zhivago Duncan, an artist whose work displays a dazzling energy and virtuosity. Born in the United States, studied in the U.K., and now based in Berlin, Duncan, who speaks six languages, and works in as many artistic mediums, is a global citizen with a unique perspective on our contemporary world.

“As soon as I moved to Berlin, I fell in love with it,” says Duncan. “It’s a vibrant city directed towards the future. A place where people work hard and play hard, and where you don’t have to yield to all the conventionalities that other capitals have given into — where at 2 AM you may be at a club or in your studio working. But wherever you are, the creative energy of the city blasts through the windows. For me the idea of tagging the Fernsehturm suggests how the creative impulse can lead to remarkable feats, or a spray can mounted on a drone. Berlin is known to have always been a free and creative city.”

The artwork for Absolut Berlin

When we approached Duncan, we were hoping for one of his wonderfully “messy”, and anarchic multimedia creations. And there was not a splash of disappointment.

Duncan’s design transforms the iconic Absolut bottle into a window showcasing one of Berlin’s landmarks – the Fernsehturm. The bottle features a magnified image of the Fernsehturm’s famous sphere, adorned with the graffiti-style quote, “Es ist nicht einfach immer ein Rebell zu sein,” which translates to “It’s not easy to always be a rebel.” This perfectly captures the spirit of a city that has long been at the forefront of contemporary art and culture.

The color palette reflects Duncan’s personal experience of Berlin: gray for the old cement structures, green for the urban forests, turquoise for the oxidation of old statues, cadmium yellow for the golden bricks during a Berlin summer sunset, and pink for the sunrise after a long night out exploring the city and its people.

Duncan never shies away from pushing the boundaries in his artistic expression, something we deeply resonate with. This collaboration was truly special for both of us.

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Want to learn more about our Absolut Berlin Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle? Explore Absolut Berlin

You’ve probably heard the terms “built drink” and “built cocktail”, but what exactly does it mean? Well, it essentially means you add all the ingredients straight into the glass, no need for fancy home bartending tools, shaking or straining. With that said, many may benefit from a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.

Built drinks are some of the most popular around and come in many variations. Unlike say sours or martinis, “building” a cocktail refers to the technique used to make the drink, rather than a specific style or family of cocktails.

For example, a Vodka Soda (aka Skinny Bitch) is a built drink but so is a Mojito. Both are very different, yet both are built drinks. A Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic (aka Skinny Bitch), Pimm’s Cup, Tom Collins, Paloma, Sea Breeze, and all Spritzers are all other great examples of built cocktails.

Is there a certain order for cocktail ingredients? 

Some bartenders may insist on a ‘strict’ order for building a drink —ice first, then mixer, followed by spirit—but that’s not necessarily the case.

For built drinks, the order of adding the spirit versus the mixer isn’t particularly important. “When you’re making a drink like a Mule or a Gin and Tonic, you’re probably going to put the ice in first, just because it’s speed of service,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

While the order may not so important for built drinks, the quality of your ingredients is. From spirits to mixers, high-quality ingredients will always result in a better tasting drink.

Built cocktails vs layered cocktails

You may have heard people use the terms “built drink” and “layered cocktail” interchangeably. But there is an important difference.

“A layered drink is a built drink, but a built drink doesn’t have to be a layered drink,” explains Rico. “When you make a layered drink, there may be an ingredient where you may use a cocktail shaker,” he says. Take, for example, an Irish Coffee where you need to shake the cream before building and layering your drink.

In comparison, the key rule for a built drink is that everything is assembled directly in the glass, with no need for shaking or blending. This is not the case with layered drinks.

OK, ready to build some drinks? Check out this video where Rico shows you how to make 3 easy to make party drinks with just a couple of ingredients and take just minutes to make!