The Coca‑Cola Company and Pernod Ricard have announced a global relationship to debut Absolut Vodka & Sprite as a ready-to-drink pre-mixed cocktail in 2024.

Absolut & Sprite will be made with Absolut, the international premium vodka, and Sprite, the world’s most popular lemon-lime sparkling soft drink. The pre-mixed cocktail will be available in versions with Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar, with the initial launch planned for select European countries in early 2024, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany.

The announcement follows Brown-Forman and The Coca-Cola Company creating global headlines in June 2024 when they revealed a partnership to debut the iconic Jack & Coke cocktail as a branded RTD.

Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting told analysts in August that the Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola RTD launch had been the most successful launch in Brown-Forman history in the United States, having achieved the second highest level of off-premise distribution across the portfolio, only behind Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

There are high hopes that the Absolut & Sprite RTD will follow in its winning footsteps. Vodka is one of the most popular bases for alcohol ready-to-drink products, and lemon-lime soft drinks are one of the most popular mixers in pre-mixed cocktails.

Absolut & Sprite ready-to-drink packaging will feature two of the world’s most recognizable global trademarks. Absolut was established in 1879 in Sweden. Since then, it has become a world-renowned premium vodka brand, crafted using the finest Swedish winter wheat. Sprite was established in 1959 in Germany and has grown to be one of the biggest brands in The Coca‑Cola Company’s global portfolio.

Cans will include clear responsibility symbols stating that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. Absolut & Sprite ready-to-drink will adhere to responsible marketing practices.

The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5% but will vary depending on the market. 

There is no word yet on when Absolut & Sprite will arrive in the Australian market, but Jack & Coke is due on our shores in 2024.

How Coca-Cola is growing its portfolio with alcohol

 Coca-Cola said it was clear there is significant demand for ready-to-drink alcohol mixers. 

“As demonstrated by the launch of  Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola RTD, partnerships and collaborations are a key way to build our presence in the category,” the company said.

“We want to offer a great product for all the different drinking occasions our consumers enjoy throughout the day.

“That includes looking at how we can offer more choice for adult consumers who are socialising at home or out and about with a range of products and collaborations in the alcohol category – particularly through flavoured alcoholic beverages.”