In honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial, Absolut Vodka is giving Canadians one more reason to toast to our gorgeous country. The limited edition Absolut Canada bottle was created in collaboration with Canadian textile artist Libs Elliott, who is known for her innovative, digitally designed quilts. Elliott uses a computer program to randomly arrange simple geometric shapes into one-of-a-kind patterns, which she then transforms into handmade quilts the old-fashioned way: by physically cutting and stitching the pattern pieces together.
Elliott used this same process to design the Absolut Canada bottle. This merging of modern technology and traditional craft is a fitting basis for a bottle that pays homage to Canada’s past and future. The bottle design draws on classic Canadian symbols, including a maple leaf quilt block pattern dating back to the early 19th century, while its grid motif reflects our expansive geographical landscape.
Absolut Summer Fling
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz Absolut
- 1 oz watermelon juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Soda
Method
Combine all of the ingredients together in a shaker and shake with ice until chilled. Fine strain into a Collins glass with ice. Garnish with a mint leaf and a piece of watermelon on the rim of the glass.
Absolut Maple Sour
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Absolut
- 1 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 1/2 oz egg whites
Method
Combine all the ingredients together and dry shake, then add ice and shake until chilled. Garnish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Absolut Cottage Tea
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Absolut
- 1/2 oz Lot 40 whisky
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Top with homemade iced tea
Method
Build the cocktail in a Collins glass and garnish with lemon wheel.
The bottle’s quilt-like aesthetic, which brings together many diverse pieces to create a cohesive whole, is an apt metaphor for our country’s culturally diverse landscape. While the bottle may be different, the vodka inside is as pure and natural as ever. Absolut Canada contains the same Swedish vodka as a standard bottle of Absolut, made from natural ingredients without any added sugars. The vodka’s refined flavour makes it a lovely addition to your favourite cocktail, but it’s also smooth enough to be enjoyed straight up.
Look for the limited edition Absolut Canada bottle at the LCBO and other major retailers across the country. Learn more about the bottle collaboration and check out behind-the-scenes videos at absolut.ca/150.
