Absolut Citron 200ML

Absolut Citron 200ML is a natural lemon-flavored Swedish vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a portable 200ml format. This citrus expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, confirming its standing among the best flavored vodkas on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Åhus, Sweden  |  Citrus-Flavored Vodka  |  Distillery: The Absolut Company, Åhus

Production & Heritage

Absolut Citron is produced in and around the village of Åhus in southern Sweden, where the brand has been distilled since the late 19th century using the continuous distillation method pioneered by Lars Olsson Smith. Unlike conventional pot-still distillation performed three or four times, this process effectively distills the spirit an infinite number of times, yielding an exceptionally clean base. The vodka is made from locally sourced winter wheat and pure deep well water drawn from Åhus aquifers, then flavored with natural citrus fruit without any added sugars — a meaningful distinction in the flavored vodka category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright citrus greets the nose immediately, led by candied lemon and sweet lime. A subtle wheat-grain character and an almost orange blossom quality emerge beneath the fruit, keeping the aromatics layered rather than one-dimensional.

Taste: The entry is smooth and mellow, with a mild lemon arrival joined by tart lime on the mid-palate. The citrus flavors remain focused and unsweetened, allowing subtle orange peel and grapefruit undertones to add depth. A characteristic light vanilla-like ethanol warmth balances the tartness without overshadowing it.

Finish: Crisp and dryish with a light-to-medium body that fades cleanly. Lingering lemon peel and a faint mineral note from the deep well water leave a refreshingly dry close.

How to Drink Absolut Citron

Chilled and served neat or over ice, Absolut Citron delivers its citrus character most transparently — the absence of added sugar means there is no cloying sweetness to manage. It excels in cocktails that rely on clean lemon flavor. A Lemon Drop Martini is the most natural fit, where the vodka's tart lemon profile replaces or reinforces the fresh lemon juice. A Cosmopolitan benefits from the lime and grapefruit undertones, which complement cranberry's tartness. A simple Citron Collins — built with soda water and a lemon wheel — highlights the spirit's sugar-free crispness in a long, refreshing serve.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a reliable citrus vodka base for cocktails
• Travel, picnics, or outdoor events where a full-size bottle is impractical
• Sampling a Double Gold–winning flavored vodka before committing to a larger format
• Adding to a spirits gift set alongside other Absolut flavor expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Absolut Citron taste like? Absolut Citron delivers tart lemon and lime flavors without added sweetness, complemented by subtle orange peel, grapefruit, and a clean wheat-grain backbone. The finish is crisp, dry, and refreshingly short.

How does Absolut Citron compare to Stolichnaya Citros? Absolut Citron focuses on a pure lemon character, while Stolichnaya Citros blends both lemon and lime flavorings into its profile. Absolut Citron also distinguishes itself by containing no added sugars, whereas many flavored vodkas in this tier include sweetening agents.

Is Absolut Citron good for cocktails? It is one of the most widely used citrus vodkas in cocktail bars worldwide, particularly in Lemon Drop Martinis and Cosmopolitans. Its clean, unsweetened lemon flavor integrates easily without throwing off a drink's balance.

Where is Absolut Citron made? Absolut Citron is produced and bottled in Åhus, a small village in the Skåne region of southern Sweden. All Absolut vodkas are distilled at the same facility using local winter wheat and water from the area's deep wells.

What foods pair well with Absolut Citron? Chilled raw oysters benefit from the vodka's lemon-peel brightness. Smoked salmon or gravlax echoes the Scandinavian origin and pairs well with the crisp citrus. Light goat cheese salads find a counterpoint in the tart lime notes. Lemon-dressed shrimp ceviche mirrors the vodka's dominant flavors. Lemon tarts or citrus sorbets create a complementary dessert pairing.

What sizes does Absolut Citron come in? Absolut Citron is available in several formats including 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1L bottles, making it accessible for everything from sampling to large-format entertaining.

Is Absolut Citron worth the price? Absolut Citron positions as a mid-premium flavored vodka — priced above well-tier options but well below ultra-premium citrus spirits. Its Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and consistently strong critical scores suggest it delivers quality that justifies its category placement.

Why Absolut Citron?

Absolut Citron's strongest differentiator is its production without added sugars, a claim that relatively few flavored vodkas in its price tier can make. The continuous distillation method creates a remarkably clean base that lets the natural citrus flavoring speak clearly rather than competing with residual grain harshness. Its Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — along with Gold in 2014 and consistent critical recognition — validates what bartenders have relied on for decades: a dependable, well-made citrus vodka with genuine lemon character and no artificial sweetness to compensate for.