Absolut Citron 375ML

Absolut Citron 375ML is a citrus-flavored Swedish vodka made with natural lemon and lime at 40% ABV (80 proof). Introduced to the U.S. market in 1988, it holds the distinction of being the first citrus-flavored vodka commercially available and earned 94 points from Tastings.com in 2023.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Åhus, Sweden  |  Style: Citrus-Flavored Vodka  |  Distillery: Absolut (Åhus)

Production & Heritage

Absolut Citron is produced in Åhus, Sweden, a town with more than 400 years of distilling tradition. The vodka begins with locally sourced winter wheat and pure deep well water, then undergoes continuous distillation — a method pioneered by Lars Olsson Smith in 1879. Natural lemon and lime provide the citrus character, with no added sugars, distinguishing it from many flavored vodkas that rely on sweeteners to round out the profile. The Åhus distillery operates as a CO2-neutral facility, reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainable production. This 375ml format is a half-bottle version of the standard 750ml expression, using the identical liquid.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright, fresh-squeezed lemon and lime greet the nose without overwhelming intensity. Underneath the citrus, the winter wheat grain character remains present, along with a subtle orange blossom quality that adds nuance.

Taste: The entry is soft and creamy with a gentle lemon note that builds gradually. A mild sweetness — more suggestive of lemon gelato than lemon juice — carries through the mid-palate alongside the vodka's natural vanilla-like ethanol character. Lime emerges as the flavor develops, building toward a bright, tart citrus peak.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, creamy mouthfeel that resolves into a light tartness. The citrus fades gracefully without bitterness or artificial aftertaste.

How to Drink Absolut Citron

Chilled and neat or over ice is the simplest way to appreciate the balance between wheat spirit and natural citrus. It also performs exceptionally well in cocktails. A Cosmopolitan benefits from Citron's tangy lemon-lime profile, which sharpens the cranberry and triple sec components. A Lemon Drop Martini is the cocktail this vodka was essentially designed for — the natural lemon character means less reliance on fresh juice. A Vodka Collins gains depth from the subtle lime undertone, making the drink more layered than versions built on unflavored vodka.

Best For

• Building a home cocktail bar with essential flavored spirits
• Hosting a brunch where citrus-forward drinks like Lemon Drops are on the menu
• Travel-friendly entertaining — the 375ml format fits easily in a bag or cooler
• Trying a citrus vodka without added sugar for a cleaner mixing base

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Absolut Citron taste like? Absolut Citron delivers a soft, creamy lemon flavor accented by lime, with a natural sweetness reminiscent of lemon gelato rather than sharp citrus juice. The finish is clean and slightly tart with no artificial aftertaste.

How does Absolut Citron compare to Smirnoff Citrus? Reviewers generally find Absolut Citron has better flavor fullness and balance, while Smirnoff Citrus tends to be noted for greater smoothness. Absolut Citron uses no added sugar and relies on natural ingredients, which gives it a more pronounced citrus character in cocktails.

Is Absolut Citron good for cocktails? Absolut Citron is widely regarded as one of the best citrus vodkas for cocktail use, particularly in drinks like the Cosmopolitan and Lemon Drop Martini where its natural lemon-lime profile reduces the need for additional citrus ingredients.

Where is Absolut Citron made? Absolut Citron is distilled in Åhus, a small town in southern Sweden where Absolut has produced vodka for over a century. The distillery sources its winter wheat and deep well water locally from the Åhus region.

What foods pair well with Absolut Citron? Chilled shrimp or ceviche pairs naturally with the lemon-lime notes. Lemon tarts and citrus desserts echo the vodka's flavor profile. Smoked salmon benefits from the bright acidity. Light goat cheese appetizers are complemented by the tartness. Grilled white fish with a squeeze of lemon ties in seamlessly with the citrus character.

What sizes does Absolut Citron come in? Absolut Citron is commonly available in 375ml, 750ml, and 1L bottles, with 50ml miniatures and 1.75L handles also found in many markets.

Is Absolut Citron worth the price? Absolut Citron positions as a mid-range flavored vodka, sitting above budget citrus options like Smirnoff Citrus while remaining accessible compared to super-premium alternatives. Its 94-point rating from Tastings.com and no-added-sugar formulation represent strong value in the flavored vodka category.

Why Absolut Citron?

Absolut Citron was the original citrus-flavored vodka when it launched in 1988, effectively creating the category that dozens of brands now compete in. Its 94-point score from Tastings.com places it among the highest-rated flavored vodkas currently available. The use of natural lemon and lime with zero added sugar gives it a cleaner, more authentic citrus profile than many competitors that lean on sweeteners. For anyone seeking a citrus vodka with genuine heritage and verifiable quality, Absolut Citron remains the benchmark expression.