🥃 Absolut Vodka
Absolut Vodka is the classic Swedish Absolut, made in Åhus from winter wheat and water: 40% ABV (80 proof on US labels), with no flavourings.
Absolut Vodka is the classic version of the Swedish Absolut vodka, known as the Original with the blue label. It is made in Åhus from winter wheat and water, with no flavourings, and is 40% ABV (80 proof on US labels). This is the core product of the brand; the flavoured Absolut variants are separate products.
According to Pernod Ricard, the composition is water and a grain spirit. A 30 ml serving contains 66 kcal and 9.5 g of alcohol, with no sugar or fat. Difford's Guide links the name to Absolut Rent Brännvin from 1879 and says the bottle in its modern form dates from 1979, modelled on an old Swedish pharmacy bottle. The producer states that the vodka is distilled continuously.
Why this matters for you. Only this version is the plain vodka; the Absolut flavour lines belong to flavoured vodka, so compare composition and strength on the label. At 40% ABV it is strong, and the WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. For comparison, check the energy value on the label.
Facts
| Year founded | 1879 — Absolut Rent Brännvin; the modern bottle since 1979 (per Difford's Guide) |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Reg. (EU) 2019/787, Annex I, category 15 'Vodka' |
| EU category | 15 — vodka |
| Raw material | winter wheat, water |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 40% ABV |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Absolut Vodka → kind of → 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- What it contains
- 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Absolut, 🍸 Vodka, 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Absolut Citron, 🥃 Absolut Mandrin, 🥃 Absolut Raspberri, 🥃 Absolut Vanilia, 🥃 Absolut Citron, 🥃 Absolut Mandrin, 🥃 Absolut Raspberri, 🥃 Absolut Vanilia, 🍸 Flavoured vodka, 🥃 Grey Goose
Frequently asked questions
Is Absolut Vodka 80 proof in the US?
Yes: the classic version is 40% ABV, which is 80 proof on US labels.
What does EU law allow in vodka as sweetening?
Up to 8 g of sweetening substances per litre; Pernod Ricard shows no sugars in a 30 ml serving of Absolut Vodka.
Is Absolut Vodka a UK or Swedish brand?
Swedish: it is made in Åhus, Sweden.
What is Absolut Vodka made from?
Winter wheat and water; Pernod Ricard describes the composition as water and a grain spirit.
What is the story of the Absolut name and bottle?
Difford's Guide links the name to Absolut Rent Brännvin of 1879 and dates the modern bottle to 1979.
What to read next
- 🥃 Absolut Citron — Absolut Citron is the citrus-flavoured version of Swedish Absolut vodka: 40% ABV (80 proof on US labels), no added sugar, launched in 1988.
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🥃 Grey Goose — Grey Goose is a French vodka made from Picardie soft winter wheat and spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue, blended in the Cognac region. Launched in 1997, owned by Bacardi since 2004; classic Grey Goose is 40% ABV (80 proof).
- 🥃 Absolut Raspberri — Absolut Raspberri is Swedish Absolut vodka with raspberry flavour: 38% ABV (76 proof) according to Difford's Guide, launched in 2004.
Similar
🥃 Absolut Mandrin · 🥃 Absolut Citron · 🥃 Absolut Raspberri · 🥃 Absolut Vanilia · 🥃 Sobieski Raspberry · 🥃 Sobieski Vanilla
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Pernod Ricard: Absolut (Absolut Vodka, Citron, Mandrin: ingredients, 40 % ABV, nutrition per 30 ml)
- Difford's Guide: Absolut Vodka (original blue label; 40 %, Åhus, winter wheat, 1879, 1979 bottle)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787, Annex I (categories 15, 20-22, 31; legislation.gov.uk)
- World Health Organization: Alcohol fact sheet