How to make the most of the fiery new Absolut Tabasco.
Swedish vodka producer Absolut loves a limited release – a lot like its many fans. From the seriously collectable Absolut Bling-Bling and Absolut Disco of the noughties to more recent partnerships with the likes of Charli XCX, this distillery knows how to mix things up. But now they’ve dropped their latest collab, and we think it might be their most exciting release yet: Absolut Tabasco, a chilli pepper flavoured vodka. Not bad for a company that’s almost 150 years old.
If your fridge is lined with bottles of hot sauce and you don’t consider a meal complete without a kick of spice, this vodka is for you. But if you prefer your chilli dialled down, this is going to suit you, too. Absolut Tabasco has all the quality hallmarks of the original vodka – smooth and mellow, with subtle notes of grain and dried fruit – but it’s layered with fresh chilli aromas and a rounded hit of spice and warmth. Despite these bold flavours, it still delivers a gentle, long finish that’s loaded with all those distinctive Tabasco flavours. Think punchy, but not in your face.
It might sound like a surprising duo, but Absolut and Tabasco were made for each other. They’ve long gone hand-in-hand in the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, and now, the iconic brands have taken their best bits and magicked them together in this fresh new release. And we’re calling it: this is a serious contender for The Drink of Summer – not least because it can be served in so many different ways.
Absolut Tabasco makes a great spicy sipper on ice, an easy mixer with any number of soft drinks, or an ideal base in your favourite spicy cocktail, even if it doesn’t traditionally use vodka. Yep, this is your bar cart’s most exciting new overachiever, as you’ll see with the recipe ideas below.
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1. Spicy Lemonade
Excellent things happen when you mix sweet with spicy, and that’s what you get in this simple serve. This chilli vodka especially shines with a cloudy style of lemonade – you could follow Absolut’s lead and seek out the zippy Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon Soda, but the choice is yours. All you need to do is mix one part Absolut Tabasco with four parts lemonade in a glass and top with ice. Job done.
Chilli freaks will love to add a Cajun spice rim to the glass – run a lemon wedge around the edge and roll it in Cajun seasoning on a plate. Need more kick? A fresh chilli slice on top is a great optional extra, but a lemon wheel or two in the glass is non-negotiable.
Consider this the ideal cocktail to scale up for a crowd – serve it in a jug (the more lemon slices the better), and share it with friends, ideally over a platter of spicy wings to really go all in on the heat.
2. Spicy Bloody Mary
Who doesn’t love a shortcut? Absolut Tabasco gives us a two-in-one cocktail base for the much-loved Bloody Mary, although you can always add more Tabasco, of course. Mix one part Absolut Tabasco with three parts tomato juice, the juice of half a lemon, five dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake it all together in a cocktail tin with ice, and strain it into a highball glass.
When it comes to garnishes, more is more with the Bloody Mary. For a few ideas, try a lemon wedge, handful of parsley, stick of celery and red chillies, and you might also like to coat your glass rim with that Cajun seasoning from the Spicy Lemonade. It’s entirely up to you.
This cocktail isn’t a brunch classic for nothing. It’s a dream match for eggs Benedict with a generous serve of hollandaise sauce and the essential side of bacon. But the Bloody Mary is also one of the great pre-dinner drinks – serve it to friends alongside salty chips, pretzels, olives, hot salami, crackers and roasted spiced nuts.
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3. Spicy Vodkarita
Why should tequila have all the fun? Absolut Tabasco is a seamless sub in this vibrant Margarita riff, which is a delicious three-ingredient winner. Simply add to a cocktail tin 1½ parts Absolut Tabasco, one part lime juice, ¾ parts agave syrup and ice, and shake before straining into a rocks glass.
We strongly encourage adding a Cajun spice rim to the glass for this one (just be sure to prep the glass before making the drink), and placing chilli slices on top to finish. But whichever way you go, don’t skimp on the lime wedge in the glass to finish the drink.
The Spicy Vodkarita makes a perfect drink on arrival, but it can also stay with you throughout a meal, too. It’s the perfect addition to a big spread of Mexican dishes with friends – order in a load of pork carnitas and fish tacos, grilled corn, guac and chips… The lot.
