🥃 Absolut Vanilia
Swedish Absolut vodka with Madagascar vanilla flavour; 38% ABV since 2022; sold in the USA since 2003.
Absolut Vanilia is the vanilla version of the Swedish Absolut vodka. According to Difford's Guide, the flavour comes from Madagascar vanilla, and it was launched in 2003 in the USA, the brand's main market. Today its strength is 38% ABV; it is one of the flavour lines alongside Citron, Mandrin and Raspberri.
Absolut produces it, and the brand belongs to Pernod Ricard. Difford's Guide writes that the strength was lowered from 40% to 38% ABV during a design update at the start of 2022. The taste is described as dry, with vanilla and white chocolate notes and a hint of black pepper. The guide gives no full composition; general information about the flavour lines is on the Pernod Ricard website.
Why this matters for you. Old bottles are 40% and new ones are 38%, so compare by the label, because a change in strength is not always visible from the name. This is a flavoured vodka (EU category 31), not the classic Absolut Vodka. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Year founded | 2003 — launch in the USA (per Difford's Guide) |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Reg. (EU) 2019/787, Annex I, category 31 'Flavoured vodka' |
| EU category | 31 — flavoured vodka |
| Raw material | winter wheat vodka with natural flavourings |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 38% ABV (since 2022; previously 40% ABV, per Difford's Guide) |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Absolut Vanilia → 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 Citron, 🥃 Absolut Mandrin, 🥃 Absolut Raspberri, 🥃 Absolut Vodka, 🥃 Absolut Vodka, 🍸 Flavoured vodka, 🥃 Wyborowa, 🥃 Sobieski Vanilla
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Absolut Vanilia has always been 40%?
No. According to Difford's Guide, the strength was lowered from 40% to 38% ABV at the start of 2022.
What vanilla is used in Absolut Vanilia?
Madagascar vanilla, according to Difford's Guide.
When was Absolut Vanilia launched?
In 2003 in the USA, according to Difford's Guide.
What to read next
- 🥃 Absolut Citron — Swedish Absolut vodka with a citrus taste; 40% ABV, 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.
- 🥃 Wyborowa — Brand of Polish rye vodka from Poznań; history from 1823; 40% ABV; international trademark since 1927; owned by Pernod Ricard.
- 🥃 Absolut Raspberri — Swedish Absolut vodka with raspberry flavour; 38% ABV according to Difford's Guide; launched in 2004.
Similar
🥃 Absolut Mandrin · 🥃 Absolut Citron · 🥃 Absolut Raspberri · 🥃 Absolut Vodka · 🥃 Sobieski Raspberry · 🥃 Sobieski Clear Vodka
⚠️ 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
- Difford's Guide: Absolut Vanilia (38 %, reduced from 40 % in 2022, Madagascan vanilla, 2003 USA)
- Pernod Ricard: Absolut (Absolut Vodka, Citron, Mandrin: ingredients, 40 % ABV, nutrition per 30 ml)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787, Annex I (categories 15, 20-22, 31; legislation.gov.uk)
- World Health Organization: Alcohol fact sheet