Nearly four decades after Keith Haring first painted the iconic Absolut bottle, the vibrant new Absolut Haring Artist Edition has officially landed in Australia – bringing one of the world’s most influential pop artists to a new generation of creatives, collectors, and cocktail lovers.
Originally inspired by Haring’s mission to take art off museum walls and into real life, the bottle channels that same spirit for today’s world – turning a 2D painting into a 3D collectible piece of kinetic art. Wrapped in Haring’s unmistakable palette of red, yellow and blue, the design pulses with movement, finished with his signature and a hand-drawn twist on the Absolut medallion.
At the recommendation of his friend Andy Warhol, Keith Haring became the second artist to reimagine the Absolut bottle nearly forty years ago when he created four striking works, each placing the iconic silhouette center stage. The chosen Absolut Haring piece, featuring Haring’s unmistakable red lines and a joyous crowd of dancing figures set against a bold yellow canvas, became a 1986 Absolut campaign classic, bursting with the same vibrant energy that continues to inspire today.
To bring Haring’s spirit to the glass, Absolut has crafted the Absolut Haring Fizz – a signature cocktail that nods to the artist’s globe-trotting adventures across Asia and his deep love for New York. It’s a bold fusion of East-meets-West: crisp apple, zesty orange, toasted sesame and a kick of ginger – all shaken into something vibrant and unexpected with the golden yellow hue mirroring the original artwork.
Here are two recipes: one that leans into the New York City energy of the 1980s, and another that is a modern, colorful crowd-pleaser.
The Radiant Sour
Inspired by Haring’s “Radiant Baby,” this drink is bright, uplifting, and has a frothy, “glowing” top. It’s a sophisticated take on a classic vodka sour with a pop of passion fruit.
Ingredient
50ml Absolut Vodka
25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
20ml Passion Fruit Syrup
1 small Egg White (or Aquafaba)
A dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions:
- Dry Shake: Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice. Shake hard for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Wet Shake: Add plenty of ice and shake again until very cold.
- Strain: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Artistic Touch: Add 3 small dots of bitters on the foam and use a toothpick to drag a line through them, creating a “pop art” pattern.
Downtown Electric
This is a high-energy, neon-blue long drink that pays homage to the 80s club scene where Haring’s art first gained fame. It’s crisp, refreshing, and visually striking.
Ingredient
50ml Absolut Vodka
15ml Blue Curaçao
15ml Fresh Lime Juice
100ml Lemon-Lime Soda Top up
Garnish: A neon maraschino cherry or a lime wheel
Instructions:
- Build: Fill a highball or Collins glass with plenty of cubed ice.
- Combine: Pour in the Absolut Vodka, Blue Curaçao, and lime juice.
- Top: Gently pour the lemon-lime soda over the top.
- Stir: Give it a quick, gentle stir to incorporate the blue color without losing the carbonation.
- Serve: Garnish and serve immediately.
Commenting on the release, Kristy Rutherford, Marketing Director ANZ explains, “Following a hugely successful Absolut Warhol release in 2024, we’re keeping the creative energy flowing with the launch of Absolut Haring. Haring’s work captured everything Absolut stands for – art that’s open, joyful, and for everyone. This new release invites a new generation to celebrate that spirit and reminds us that creativity has the power to inspire and unite us.”
David Stark, Founder and CEO of Artestar, the global licensing and creative agency representing the Keith Haring Studio, shares: “Our mission is to keep Keith Haring’s spirit alive by continuing to expand access to his art and the important messages within it. This project with Absolut revives a moment that meant so much to Keith. It’s a wonderful tribute that allows anyone to engage with this special story that started back in 1986.”
Available in 700mL and 1L bottles, this limited-edition drop is set to become a collector’s favourite. RRP $52 – available at Dan Murphy’s and all reputable venues & retailers across Australia.
