What is Absolut?

When you think of Absolut, you immediately think of vodka. Even if you don’t drink vodka, like vodka or have ever tried Absolut, most people associate Absolut with vodka without any sort of hesitation. The reason why is due to their many (1,500 plus) print advertisements featuring an item in the shape of an Absolut bottle with the title in the center, at the bottom of the ad, which reads, “Absolut _________”. The Absolut ad campaign is the longest running ad campaign ever to date. It began running back in 1980 with photographer Steven Bronstein. Absolut was also one of the first consumer brands to embrace and represent the gay community in such a positive way. Read More...

Sobieski Vodka: Strawberry Shortcake Martinis

Sobieski Vodka is premium vodka from Poland that is fairly new to the U.S. market. Sobieski was first introduced to the U.S. in 2007. The company claims to have the number one premium vodka in Poland and is the world’s number seven best selling premium vodka.

In honor of Examiner.com’s Vodka Month for the month of June, I offered a group of bartending school students a chance to sample Sobieski Vodka. We made Strawberry Shortcake Martinis. Read More...

Vodka

Vodka outsells all other spirits 3 to 1. Vodka is void of a distinctive flavor, taste or smell which makes it the easiest spirit to mix anything with. Vodka can be made out of anything that has sugar or starch such as potatoes, grains, corn or rye. Vodka comes from the Russian word "voda" which means "little water". The classic cocktail, Moscow Mule introduced Smirnoff vodka to the United States in the 1940's. Popular vodka brand names include Grey Goose (France), Ketel One (Netherlands), Stoli (Russia), Absolut (Sweden) and Sky (San Francisco).

Absolut was the first on the scene to introduce flavored vodkas. Any guesses on which was the first flavored vodka to be introduced? It wasn't Absolut Citron or Absolut Mandarin, but Absolut Peppar in 1979. Absolut Citron wasn't put on the market until 1988. It is said that Absolut Citron created the Cosmopolitan.