Absolut TABASCO has launched in Australia and to celebrate Spice Girl and queer icon Melanie C is headlining a party at Sydney’s The Beresford.

Her free set will come just hours before she takes the stage at the Enmore Theatre that night for the final show of her global Sweat tour.

A full-venue takeover across two stages at The Beresford will kick off downstairs from 12pm, an ode to Beresford Sundays and its 16-year history. Legacy DJs Kadance, Colin Gaff, Alex Taylor, CallmeCHRS and Adam Love will be spinning through until close, playing a blend of disco, house and pop. Upstairs will open at 1pm, with Melanie C’s headline set the centrepiece of the afternoon, alongside eight of Beresford Sundays’ new resident queens Fairah Nuff, Kalin Klein, Danni Issues, Dammit Janet, Mynx Moscato, Karna Ford, April Mae June and Charlamaine, alongside DJs Hayday, Erfaan, Dingo Disco and Jordan Haych.

Major launch across 50+ markets

The vodka is now available nationwide following the spicy partnership firing up the global spirits scene. The launch comes as Datassentials forecasts spicy vodka sales will climb 27% by 2029.

The spirit has been crafted by blending Absolut Vodka with an all-natural essence made from the fermented, aged red pepper mash used to make TABASCO® Sauce, with no sugar added. The result is a smooth, premium vodka with a heat that gently builds. Suggested serves include a Spicy Lemonade that tingles, the brunch staple Bloody Mary with a kick or a Spicy Vodkarita with bite.

Pernod Ricard Senior Brand Manager Vodka, Rum & Liqueurs – Australia & New Zealand Ella Brett said: “Australians are embracing bigger, bolder flavours, and spice is increasingly moving from the food menu into drinks and social occasions.

“ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ brings together two iconic brands to create something genuinely distinctive: a smooth vodka with a heat that builds with every sip.”

Recipe: Spicy Vodkarita

1 ½ parts ABSOLUT® TABASCO™
1 part lemon juice
3⁄4 parts agave syrup
Cajun spice for rim
Lime for garnish
Chili slice for garnish (optional)

METHOD: Rim a rocks glass with Cajun seasoning. Fill a shaker with ABSOLUT® TABASCO™, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and agave syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Fine strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a chili slice.