Absolut Citron 750ML

Absolut Citron 750ML is a lemon-and-lime-flavored Swedish vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 94 points out of 100 by Tastings.com in January 2023, this expression stands as one of the longest-running and most widely recognized citrus vodkas on the market, built on Absolut's grain-to-glass production philosophy.

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

Production & Heritage

Absolut Citron is produced at the Absolut distillery in Åhus, a small town in southern Sweden where the brand has been based since its founding. The vodka is made from locally grown winter wheat and water drawn from deep wells in the Åhus region, then put through a continuous distillation process. What distinguishes Absolut from nearly every other major vodka producer is its vertically integrated approach — everything from grain cultivation to bottling occurs within a roughly 50-mile radius, giving the distillery complete control over raw materials rather than purchasing spirit on the open market. The natural citrus flavors are added after distillation, with no sugar added to the final product.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh squeezed lemon leads immediately, followed by bright lime zest and a faint mineral undertone. The nose is clean and direct, without any artificial sweetness.

Taste: The entry is soft lemon with a smooth, creamy texture that coats the palate gently. Lime builds through the mid-palate, rising to a bright, tart citrus peak. A peppery sting emerges at the finish of the palate progression, adding unexpected depth.

Finish: Medium in length, fading into lemon candy and mineral water notes with lingering lemon zest. The overall impression is crisp and clean with a slight tartness that keeps the finish from turning flat.

How to Drink Absolut Citron

Absolut Citron works well chilled and served neat in a small glass, where the lemon-lime character is most apparent. It also performs reliably over ice with a splash of soda water for a simple, low-effort serve. For cocktails, consider these three:

• Lemon Drop Martini: The natural lemon profile eliminates the need for excessive fresh juice, letting the vodka carry the drink.
• Cosmopolitan: Citron adds a brighter citrus backbone than unflavored vodka, sharpening the cranberry and lime components.
• Collins (Vodka variation): The creamy texture and lemon-lime notes integrate seamlessly with simple syrup and club soda for a refreshing long drink.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a reliable citrus vodka for everyday cocktails
• Hosting brunch gatherings where lemon-forward drinks like Lemon Drops are on the menu
• Mixing large-batch punches for summer parties
• Introducing someone to flavored vodkas with a well-established, widely available expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Absolut Citron taste like? Absolut Citron delivers a clean, tangy lemon and lime flavor with a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel and a peppery finish. The overall profile is crisp and tart without artificial sweetness.

How does Absolut Citron compare to Stolichnaya Citros? Both are 80-proof citrus-flavored vodkas and frequent competitors on bar shelves, but Absolut Citron tends to present a creamier texture and more balanced lemon-lime blend, while Stolichnaya Citros leans toward a sharper, more singular lemon note. Absolut's seed-to-bottle production in Åhus also contrasts with Stolichnaya's multi-sourced production model.

Is Absolut Citron good for cocktails? Absolut Citron is one of the most commonly called-for citrus vodkas in cocktail recipes, particularly the Lemon Drop Martini and Cosmopolitan. Its clean citrus flavor and 40% ABV give it enough presence to hold up in mixed drinks without overpowering other ingredients.

Where is Absolut Citron made? Absolut Citron is produced entirely in and around Åhus, a town in the Skåne region of southern Sweden. The distillery sources its winter wheat and well water locally, keeping the entire production chain within a compact geographic area.

What foods pair well with Absolut Citron? Chilled shrimp cocktail pairs naturally, as the citrus mirrors a squeeze of lemon over seafood. Smoked salmon or gravlax benefits from the vodka's bright acidity. Light goat cheese with herbs complements the creamy texture. Lemon tarts or citrus desserts echo the flavor profile for an end-of-meal pairing. Sushi, especially lighter fish like yellowtail, works well alongside a chilled pour.

What sizes does Absolut Citron come in? Absolut Citron is widely available in 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats, as well as 375ml and 50ml miniature bottles in many markets.

Is Absolut Citron worth the price? Absolut Citron positions as a mid-range flavored vodka — above budget offerings but below ultra-premium brands. Its consistent quality, 94-point Tastings.com score, and widespread availability make it a strong value within its tier.

Why Absolut Citron?

Absolut Citron's strongest differentiator is the distillery's complete vertical integration — grain grown within miles of the distillery, local deep-well water, and continuous distillation all under one roof. That level of control is exceptionally rare among major vodka producers, most of whom purchase neutral spirit from third-party suppliers. The 94-point score from Tastings.com in 2023 confirms that the expression continues to perform at a high level decades after its original release. For anyone building a versatile bar or looking for a citrus vodka that delivers genuine lemon-lime character without synthetic sweetness, Absolut Citron remains a benchmark in its category.