Absolut Korea: Revisiting the Collaborative Vodka Bottle Release 

Absolut Korea: A Collaborative Limited-Edition Vodka Bottle Revisited

Absolut Korea was a locally released Limited-Edition Coffee, Almond and Chilli Flavored Vodka and one of our many, many incredible artistic collaborations,  celebrating cities and countries around the world.

For each limited-edition bottle in our cities and countries collaborations, we work with local artists to capture the authentic essence of the country through their perspective and artistic expression.

In this post, we open the vaults to revisit and learn about the artwork and inspiration behind the collaboration for Absolut Korea.

Inspired by Kimchi: The Flavor of Absolut Korea

In 2016, we launched Absolut Korea. This Coffee, Almond and Chilli Flavored Vodka took inspiration from…wait for it…Korea’s national dish, Kimchi. That’s right, Kimchi.

Koreans are known for their love of Kimchi—it’s a staple at almost every meal and has been part of Korean cuisine for centuries. More than that, it holds deep cultural significance.

Kimchi symbolizes Korean identity and tradition, often tied to family gatherings and communal experiences. In fact, it’s said that every Korean family has its own unique Kimchi recipe, passed down through generations. And in 2015, UNESCO recognized Kimchi and its traditional practices as Korea’s intangible cultural heritage.

Although Absolut Korea didn’t taste like Kimchi, the influence and inspiration were evident. Absolut Korea’s unique Coffee, Almond, and Chili Flavored Vodka offered a smooth and vibrant blend of flavors. It began with a subtle sweetness and concluded with a hint of spice. The combination of flavors provided a contrasting yet surprisingly well-balanced blend of bittersweet and spiciness – the authentic taste of Korea.

Inspired by traditional – the artwork for Absolut Korea

Created in collaboration with contemporary Korean artist Heo Wook, Absolut Korea’s multidimensional bottle design reflected a unique vision of Korea.

The design intricately combined pieces of Korean letters from the Hangul alphabet, fitting together like a puzzle to form the word Absolut.

The bottle featured the five symbolic Korean ‘obang’ colors: blue, red, yellow, white, and black. Yellow, representing ‘center,’ ‘bright,’ and ‘hope,’ stood out prominently, symbolizing Korea’s dynamic and bright future.

The traditional Korean color spectrum, carries profound symbolic significance in Korean mythology and beliefs, and is associated with the cardinal directions:

• Red (Hong): Representing fire, red conveys passion, energy, and luck. It’s frequently used in weddings and celebrations to symbolize vitality and joy.
• Yellow (Hwang): Symbolizing the earth, yellow embodies simplicity, compassion, and forgiveness. It’s often seen in traditional clothing and Korea’s landscapes.

• Blue (Jeong): Associated with the east, blue symbolizes creativity, loyalty, and generosity, inspired by Korea’s natural beauty and clear skies.

• Black (Heuk): Symbolizing water, black carries the meaning of mystery and is part of Korea’s beauty standards.

• White (Baek): Symbolizing purity, honesty, and innocence, white is associated mourning and is worn during funerals in Korea.

A truly unique, cultural and artistic collaboration, Absolut Korea paid tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Korea. Want to learn more about our Absolut Korea limited-edition vodka bottle?

Explore Absolut Korea

Absolut India: Two Limited Edition Bottles Celebrating Diversity

Absolut is renowned for its innovative collaborations, with the first taking place in 1985, frequently partnering with artists across the globe to produce limited edition bottles.

Among our most beloved projects are those that celebrate various cities and countries, showcasing and celebrating each location’s unique culture.

For each limited-edition bottle in our city and country collaborations, we partner with local artists to capture the true essence of the country as seen through their eyes and their artistic expression.

In this post, we revisit Absolut India. This collaboration was particularly special because it involved not just one, but two separate collaborations occurring several years apart, resulting in two distinct limited-edition vodka bottles.

Join us we open the archive to Absolut India.

Embracing India’s Diversity

India, home to over a billion people, stands as the world’s most populous country and is celebrated for its incredible religious, cultural, and demographic diversity.

With 122 major languages, 29 of which have over a million native speakers, the linguistic variety is astounding.

Often referred to as the country of festivals, India is a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a myriad of cultures, languages, and belief systems. This can be seen during the numerous festivals that fill the country’s calendar, each highlighting a unique aspect of its rich heritage. These festivals not only display the rich heritage and traditions but also underscore the diverse cultures that epitomize India.

At Absolut, celebrating diversity and inclusivity have always been of great importance to us, making our collaboration with Absolut India a natural fit.

The first Absolut India Limited Edition Vodka Bottle

In 2015, we launched the first Absolut India limited edition vodka bottle.

Absolut India was a delectable Mango and Pepper Flavored Vodka, highlighting mango as India’s national fruit and pepper to symbolize the nation’s passion for spices. In fact, India produces approximately 75 of the 109 recognized spice varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

For the artwork, we collaborated with Talenthouse India – Southeast Asia’s leading creative crowdsourcing platform.  A contest was held, where Talenthouse India reviewed 2,700 submissions to find the winning artwork.

The goal was to create an India-themed and inspired design, where artists could express what they love about India and what they believe represents the country in a fresh, inventive way for the Absolut India limited edition bottle.

The winning artist, Shaheen Baig from Mumbai, beautifully captured the essence of India’s vibrant and multifaceted nature. Her design vividly portrays the spirited chaos of the nation, featuring beautifully represented icons such as temples, tigers, and elephants.

We loved the collaboration and honoring the country so much we decided to do it again.

The Release of Absolut India 2.0

Three years later, in 2018, we released a second limited edition Absolut India bottle, which we called Absolut India 2.0. Unlike the first Absolut India collaboration, this limited-edition vodka bottle was not a flavored vodka.

Once again, we teamed up with Talenthouse India who ran a contest to identify a winner. More than 2,400 artistic contributions were reviewed before Ajay Boga emerged as the winning artist.

Boga’s stunning design was inspired by the strength and courage of the tiger, India’s national animal. India is home to 75% of the global tiger population, making the tiger a symbol of great significance.

Boga’s artwork beautifully incorporates various Indian patterns and elements, highlighting the nation’s diversity, culture, energy, and pride. Upon closer inspection, the artwork reveals intricate details: a peacock symbolizing elegance, a Banyan tree representing immortality, and depictions of India’s rich ethnic diversity. These elements seamlessly come together to form the majestic tiger, embodying the spirit of India.

Want to learn more about our Absolut India limited-edition vodka bottles?

Discover Absolut India

We’re thrilled to share that Absolut has been awarded the IWSC 2024 Vodka Producer Trophy.

We see this award as not only a recognition of our quality and craftsmanship but also a celebration of who we are and what we do. You see, doing things differently has always been at the heart of Absolut.

Being different is reward in itself but in a world where standing out can sometimes be a challenge, it’s always gratifying to be recognized for your uniqueness.

Vodka That’s (Proudly) Different

At Absolut, we have always embraced our distinctive identity, and this award is a testament to that. Our iconic bottle design is just the beginning – it symbolizes our commitment to creativity and innovation.

We’ve extended this philosophy beyond our product to our collaborations in art, fashion, music, and more. These collaborations reflect our dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining what a vodka brand can be.

Doing things differently isn’t just a strategy for us; it’s woven into our DNA. From the very start, we’ve believed that our unique approach not only sets us apart but also enriches the experiences of our consumers. This award celebrates our journey and reinforces our belief that being different is something to be proud of.

This accolade highlights that our distinct approach, which prioritizes quality, creativity, and sustainability, resonates deeply with both industry experts and consumers alike. Being awarded Vodka Producer of the Year reaffirms that embracing uniqueness and staying true to your values is something truly worth celebrating.

Vodka Made from One Source by One Community

Founded in Åhus, a small town in Sweden’s south, Absolut Vodka prides itself on being the world’s largest community-made vodka. The products you find on the shelf are the collective effort and pride of our local community.

Having One Source and One Community means we respectfully control the entire process. We trace the very product that is in your hands all the way back to our farmers. Sustainability, including the sourcing of local ingredients, is a significant part of our identity.

When you pick up a bottle of Absolut Vodka, you’re not just buying a product; you’re making a statement, and as a consumer, we know you have a choice.

Vodka with Passion and Innovation

Our distinctive approach to vodka production results in more exciting and innovative products. Whether it’s our Absolut flavored vodkas, limited-edition artist collaborations, or eco-friendly packaging, we’re always looking for ways to surprise and delight people who choose Absolut Vodka as their preferred vodka.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or someone who enjoys a simple, high-quality drink, our commitment to excellence means that when you purchase a bottle of Absolut Vodka, you’re selecting a product crafted with passion and vodka made from only natural ingredients. Remember, the better the vodka, the better the cocktail. If you’re looking for cocktail inspiration, visit AbsolutDrinks.com

Here’s to celebrating being different and to many more years of innovation and excellence. Read more about our ISWC award

Absolut has long been recognized for its innovative collaborations with artists around the world, creating limited edition bottles that celebrate different cities and countries and their unique cultures.

Our aim with every limited-edition bottle release is to capture the spirit of each city by incorporating the distinctive styles and visions of a specific local artist.

In this post, we unlock the vaults to revisit what was Absolut Istanbul.

A Collaboration Embracing Cultural Diversity

Absolut Istanbul – a limited-edition vodka bottle in collaboration with Turkish artist Yigit Yazici – was released in 2012. The collaboration celebrated the magnificence of Istanbul, Europe’s most populous city, with 15 million residents and its rapidly growing contemporary cultural scene.

Istanbul has been a melting pot of culture for centuries. It’s a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern innovations. The city’s skyline is dotted with minarets, domes, and skyscrapers, each telling a story of its rich history and vibrant present.

Throughout history, Istanbul has been a major hub of empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Today, the city is a mosaic of diverse cultures, religions, and civilizations. Istanbul’s rich historical tapestry resonates with Absolut’s own commitment to culture and diversity, which made Absolut Istanbul a celebration of cultural diversity.

The Artwork and Inspiration for Absolut Istanbul

Yigit Yazici’s vibrant artwork on the limited-edition bottle encapsulates the city’s energy and dynamism. He drew inspiration from the city’s richness, with one side facing the Black Sea and the other its unique Princess Islands.

Absolut Istanbul paid tribute to the city’s iconic emblems, depicted in beautiful, vibrant colors. The Galata Tower, featured on the Absolut Istanbul bottle, stands as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy. Built in the 14th century, it has witnessed the transformation of Istanbul from a Byzantine stronghold to a bustling metropolis.

The Bosphorus, another emblem depicted on the bottle, is a symbol of connection. After all, Istanbul is a place where quite literally East meets West.

This narrow strait not only separates Europe and Asia but also unites them, serving as a vital waterway that has facilitated trade and cultural exchange for millennia.

The Bosphorus is a reminder that culture and connection are not just abstract concepts but woven into the very fabric of Istanbul, just as they are for Absolut.

Want to learn more about our Absolut Istanbul limited-edition bottle? Discover Absolut Istanbul

As the official spirits sponsor of Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet US Tour, Absolut and Kahlúa are releasing a limited-edition kit to enjoy the signature cocktail of her show at home

NEW YORK, NY – November 13, 2024 – Absolut & Kahlúa, the power pair behind the Espresso Martini, have joined forces with Sabrina Carpenter to mix things up this holiday season. Known for her song of the year,¹ Espresso, the partnership adds to the cultural phenomenon with the trending Espresso Martini cocktail. 

As the official spirits sponsor of her Short n’ Sweet Tour in North America, the iconic brands introduced the Absolut & Kahlúa Short n’ Sweet Espresso Martini for the perfect blend of music and cocktails, which is now available in a cocktail kit to enjoy at home. The limited-edition Absolut & Kahlúa Short n’ Sweet Espresso Martini Cocktail Kit is designed to be as spirited and bold as Sabrina herself with everything needed to craft a show-stopping cocktail at home. The kit includes Absolut, Kahlúa, Owen’s Espresso Martini Mix, a coupe glass with festive red ribbon and Sabrina’s iconic kiss mark as an edible cocktail topper.  

“It’s no surprise how much I love Espresso, so I’m super excited about this partnership and to be able to share one of my favorite cocktails with my fans,” said Sabrina Carpenter. “This will be the perfect addition for any holiday celebration, cheers!”

When it comes to the Espresso Martini, Absolut is the go-to vodka for mixing with Kahlúa coffee liqueur, a must-have ingredient and the top spirits brand2 associated with the Espresso Martini.

“Absolut and Kahlúa are continuing to build the legacy of the Espresso Martini by partnering with Sabrina Carpenter whose artistry aligns with the festive, vibrant energy of our brands,” said Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing, Absolut & Kahlúa. “As seen through her massively successful tour, Sabrina is no stranger to bringing people together, and we’re thrilled to be a part of creating a moment that connects music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, especially during the holiday season with an Espresso Martini in hand.”

The limited-edition Absolut & Kahlúa Short n’ Sweet Espresso Martini Cocktail Kit is available on ReserveBar.com.

1.) Source: 2024 MTV VMAs

2.) Source: Espresso Martini Deep Dive Consumer Research, February 2024

Absolut was announced as the #1 spirits brand in TIME World’s Best Brands of 2024 – TIME’s inaugural list released in partnership with Statista this year, a leading provider of market and consumer data and rankings.  

“We are thrilled to share that Absolut Vodka has been voted the #1 Spirit Brand in TIME’s World’s Best Brands of 2024,” said Caroline Begley, Vice President Marketing at Pernod Ricard USA. “This incredible recognition, voted by US consumers, is proof that strong connections with our community drives lasting success, shapes consumer decisions and builds an iconic brand. Thank you to everyone who supports and believes in Absolut—this one’s for you!” 

Scores are based on brand awareness, social buzz, likeability, usage and loyalty surveying more than 22,000 US consumers about brands across 66 categories. The survey reveals an unfiltered view of how customers perceive and interact with brands and the power of a strong marketing presence over consumer decisions. Absolut received a score of 100 (out of 100).  

For the full list of TIME’s World’s Best Brands of 2024, visit time.com/collection/worlds-best-brands-2024.    

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY 

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ABSOLUT® VODKA. PRODUCT OF SWEDEN. 40% ALC./VOL. DISTILLED FROM GRAIN. ©2024 IMPORTED BY ABSOLUT SPIRITS CO., NEW YORK, NY. 

Last summer, more than 400,000 individuals from 200 countries gathered in Belgium to celebrate Tomorrowland’s iconic 20-year anniversary edition. Over two weekends, attendees were treated to breathtaking performances by more than 800 of the world’s best electronic artists.  

While the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year, this year the importance of bringing people together was more important and prominent than ever as we, at Absolut, joined forces with Tomorrowland to tackle the issue of loneliness. 

United We Dance 

Recognizing Tomorrowland’s influence as a leading global festival and our history of supporting underrepresented communities, in 2021, we teamed up with Tomorrowland to create the United We Dance platform as a joint initiative to bring our shared values to life.  

To make a difference, a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) committee was formed. The committee includes representatives from Absolut and Tomorrowland, an industry expert, a politician, and a global DJ. 

The committee’s mission is to inspire the industry and the world to create a more equal and diverse future. Every year, the committee comes up with meaningful actions to carry out, based on a theme derived from industry research.  

Fostering Connection 

When the committee heard about the World Health Organization’s 2023 declaration that loneliness has become a critical global health threat, they were struck. The WHO study found that ‘loneliness rates’ are highest in young adults aged 19 to 29, with 27 per cent reporting they feel very or fairly lonely, and that it affects Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people more. 

Humans are inherently social beings, with a strong innate need for belonging. Countless studies have shown that feelings of belonging and maintaining strong relationships and connections significantly impacts our overall well-being. And what better place to meet people than at a music festival? 

Festivals and events offer an incredible opportunity to meet new people and foster human connection, both of which have been linked to increased social well-being and reduced loneliness.  

Bringing Us Together 

While conducting research for this year’s initiative, we identified some challenges, such as increased loneliness before and after big events and festivals. To tackle this, the committee developed a program that started before the festival to bring solo travelers and individuals together, and it continued to provide support during and after the festival. 

A variety of activities and resources to promote connection were introduced, making sure that everyone would feel welcome. One of the things we created was a WhatsApp group for festivalgoers, which informed people about various about on-site activities and connected people from different cultures. 

On-site activities included cultural exchange speed dating, a massive breakfast table, special guest sets, and more. We also provided wearable tokens on-site to promote connection and inclusivity, making sure everyone felt welcome at the festival. 

For those who couldn’t make it to the festival, we launched an exclusive Tomorrowland artist podcast series podcast series featuring renowned DJs. The six-episode series delves into the themes of human connection, self-expression, and loneliness, offering listeners a unique insight into the personal experiences of their favorite artists. Tune into the United We Dance Podcast! 

There is a beat that unites us all – let’s find it together. 

Want to read more about the United We Dance initiative? Visit United We Dance

Collaborations have always been a big part of Absolut’s DNA. In many ways our collaborations can also be seen as celebrations. Take, for example, our limited-edition Cities series where we collaborate with artists, fashion designers and filmmakers to celebrate a specific city or country.  

The Cities series allows us to capture the essence of each location through the unique styles and visions of these artists, resulting in a collection that truly celebrates the cultural richness and creativity of different places around the world. 

Join us as we open the vaults and revisit Absolut Brooklyn. 

The Spirit of Diversity  

Brooklyn, the vibrant, diverse, and cosmopolitan borough of New York City, pulses with energy, a place where diverse cultures converge to create a tapestry of urban creativity.  

An old legend claims that one in seven Americans can trace their roots through Brooklyn. While this claim cannot be proven, what is true is that over 1/3 of Brooklyn’s residents are born in another country. In fact, it is said that Brooklyn is home to speakers of over 200 languages, with nearly 50% of all households speaking a language other than English at home. 

As a fellow advocate for diversity, it was in the charismatic enclave of New York City, that the spirit of Absolut Brooklyn found its muse, capturing the essence of the borough in a bottle.  

Absolut Brooklyn launched in 2010 and is a Limited-Edition Red Apple and Ginger Flavored Vodka. It blends the sweetness of ripe red apples with the alluring warmth of ginger.  

Absolut Brooklyn celebrates this diversity by offering a taste experience that reflects the rich and varied flavors of the people and places that make up Brooklyn. 

Designing the Bottle with Spike Lee
Designed in collaboration with iconic filmmaker and Brooklyn resident Spike Lee, the Absolut Brooklyn bottle is a colorful depiction of the very stoop where he grew up. (Quick fact – “stoop” is derived from the Dutch word stoep, which has the same pronunciation, and means “stair.”)

Other details in the artwork include nicknames of Brooklyn written on the stoop and a line from a love letter to Brooklyn written by Brooklyn-born poet and actor, Lemon Andersen.  

A True Collaboration With the City 

According to Brooklyn.org, while Brooklyn is home to the second-greatest number of nonprofits in New York City, only 7.6% of the city’s philanthropic dollars goes to Brooklyn. In comparison, Manhattan-based organizations receive a staggering 76% of giving across New York City.  

In connection to the launch of the Absolut Brooklyn limited edition bottle, we had the true honor of collaborating with the organizations, Habitat for Humanity and Habitat-NYC. 

You can learn more about those collaborations and the Absolut Brooklyn limited-edition bottle here.

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!

For a long time, the beauty standards in the Fashion industry have been narrow, and even though there’s been a tremendous progress in the fashion industry, deep-seated human biases have been picked up by AI,resulting in its content reflecting outdated and narrow views of beauty and identity.  

When AI systems are trained on this sort of biased data, they not only perpetuate but also amplify existing inequalities. This not only threatens the representation of different cultures but also multiplies real-world disparities. 

This initiative between Copy Lab and us at Absolut vodka, aims to challenge the norms we see today. It strives to bring forth a more diverse and inclusive portrayal, which will shape the next generation of AI-generated images. 

Representation matters, and when you can see someone who looks like you, you feel a stronger connection to that brand. This is the power we hold in shaping AI-generated content, and as a brand that has championed the cause of inclusivity and diversity for so many years, this project is aligned with the core values that we at Absolut stand for. 

The images created with Copy Lab will feature in the second edition of the world’s first printed AI fashion magazine, Copy; and one of world’s largest royalty free stock image websites, Unsplash. By ensuring this broad accessibility, the campaign has the potential to engage a global audience, which will increase and expand the AI algorithms learning of diversity within fashion, fostering a more inclusive future. 

Click through our stunning images featured in the newest issue of Copy Magazine; the first AI Fashion Magazine in the world.