Absolut and TABASCO turn up the heat with new spicy Vodka
Absolut Vodka and TABASCO are introducing a new spicy vodka: Absolut TABASCO. Starting February 2026, this innovation will roll out in more than 50 markets worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. The launch responds to the rapidly growing consumer demand for bold and distinctive flavors within the spirits segment.
Absolut TABASCO is made by combining Absolut Vodka with a unique, fully natural essence with no added sugars, based on the fermented and aged red pepper mash used for TABASCO. The result is a vodka that brings together the signature heat and aromas of the world’s most famous hot sauce with the world’s premium vodka.
Growing Market for Spicy Flavors
The introduction of Absolut TABASCO aligns with a clear market trend. Consumers are increasingly seeking drinks with pronounced flavor profiles, and spicy variants are gaining popularity. Sales of spicy vodka are expected to grow by 27 percent through 2029. Both in hospitality and home settings, demand is rising for vodkas that enable distinctive cocktails, such as an extra-spicy Bloody Mary or a characterful Spicy Lemonade.
Absolut TABASCO is crafted as a smooth, balanced vodka with layered spiciness that builds gradually, leaving a warm sensation with every sip.
Heritage and Craftsmanship
The collaboration brings together two brands, each with over a century of craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality.
TABASCO has been produced since 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana, using just three ingredients: hand-picked red peppers, salt, and vinegar. The red pepper mash is fermented and aged in recycled oak barrels for up to three years, creating its distinctive and consistent flavor profile.
Craig van Niekerk, Global Vice President Marketing, Absolut Vodka: "At Absolut Vodka, we have never been afraid to do things differently or introduce bold innovations. With Absolut TABASCO, we are doing just that again. We see that consumers are increasingly looking for more pronounced flavors and heat in their drinks. By combining one of the world’s most iconic hot sauces with the world’s leading premium vodka, we are directly responding to this trend. This spicy vodka is made for moments when people want to elevate their cocktail experience, literally and figuratively."
Absolut Vodka is also made from three natural ingredients: pure water from a local deep well, a proprietary yeast culture, and winter wheat from nearby farms. The vodka is distilled exclusively in Åhus, southern Sweden, using the same continuous distillation process introduced in the 1870s by founder L.O. Smith.
Iconic Bottle Design
The shared authenticity of both brands comes together in the design of the Absolut TABASCO bottle. The design merges recognizable elements of both icons: the signature colors and diamond-shaped label reference TABASCO, while the classic apothecary-style bottle unmistakably represents Absolut Vodka.
Absolut TABASCO will be available from February 2026 at local liquor stores.
Christian Brown, Head of Agriculture and sixth-generation family member, McIlhenny Company (TABASCO):"With more than 150 years of expertise in peppers, it was a natural step for TABASCO to collaborate with Absolut Vodka – a brand with a similarly rich history and deep understanding of craftsmanship. Both brands share a strong focus on quality and authenticity. The partnership between these two iconic flavor profiles, and how it is reflected in the product and packaging, feels like a natural next step."
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