Anyone who has ever had a vodka cocktail has at the very least tried Absolut. While there are better/more expensive vodkas on the market Absolut remains a staple in most bars and personal liquor cabinets. Absolut's affordable quality makes it the 'go to' vodka for multiple generations...even those who aren't legally allowed to drink. Whether it's the mesmerizing artistic and sometimes provocative print ads or the ability to stay one step ahead of the infusion trends, Absolut has become the fourth largest international spirit on the market since its global launch in 1979. And to guarantee its mainstay in the spirit industry Absolut has added another flavor to its portfolio: Absolut Wild Tea. This blend of Chinese tea, elderflower, red apples and citrus creates a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet that melds easily with an array of mixers. To introduce this new Scandinavian-Asian fusion, Absolut held launch parties from NYC to Miami, Chicago and of course Los Angeles.

The setting for the LA launch of Absolut Wild Tea was the rooftop bar at the fabulous London Hotel on Sunset Blvd this past week. The Absolut Wild Tea cocktails were as dazzling as the surrounding lights of Hollywood. The recipes were not only fantastic but numerous as to showcase Absolut Wild Tea's versatility. There were even two celeb mixologists on duty mixing up their Wild Tea creations. People lined up as the incredibly personable Kevin Henry served up his liquid design, 'Thé Sauvage,' and Justin Winters, the hunky Absolut bartender on this season's RuPaul's Drag Race, served his specialty 'Tea in the Shade.' While both were completely different they were both equally dangerously delicious and well worth the wait.

Without a doubt the LA launch was a success and Absolut Wild Tea has quickly become the new 'it' flavor. While the tea may come from China the vodka is made with the same Swedish winter wheat and deep well water that's in every bottle of Absolut. And unlike other flavored vodkas, Absolut Wild Tea (as well as its other flavors) doesn't add sugar thus remaining 80 proof. Other brands add flavored syrups and sweeteners causing them to decrease the alcohol by volume to incorporate the sugar count. Every bottle of Absolut contains the same purity we've all come to know and expect. Wild Tea infused, Absolut quality guaranteed.

Tea In The Shade

• 2 oz Absolut Wild Tea
• .5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
• .5 oz Grapefruit juice
• .5 oz Raspberry Syrup
• .5 oz lemon juice
• Dash of Grapefruit Bitters
• 3 oz Soda

Pour all ingredients into a tall or collins glass filled with ice. Stir. Garnished with a Raspberry and Lemon Twist.

Thé Sauvage

• 1 oz Absolut Wild Tea
• 3/4 oz Beefeater 24
• .5 oz Agave Nectar
• .5 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Dash of Cardamom Bitters
• Topped off with French Champagne

Pour ingredients into a shaker tin with ice. Stir, don't shake. Strain into a double rocks glass and garnished with Luxardo Cherry and Lemon Grass Sprig.

• 2 oz Absolut Wild Tea 
• 3/4 oz fresh Lime Juice
• .5 part Simple Syrup

Pour ingredients into a rock glass with ice. Stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Substitute Absolut Wild Tea in all your favorite vodka cocktails. From Cosmopolitans to screwdrivers or just plain gingerale, Wild Tea gives ordinary cocktails a little something special. Pick up a bottle and see for yourself.