In a vibrant fusion of art history and contemporary design, Absolut Vodka reignites its legendary collaboration with pop art icon Keith Haring. The Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle isn’t just a limited-edition release; it’s a kinetic, three-dimensional homage to Haring’s enduring belief that art is for everybody. Rooted in the shared mission to democratize creativity, this release pulsates with the same electric energy that Haring famously brought to the gritty streets and subway tunnels of 1980s New York.
Nearly four decades after Haring, at Andy Warhol’s suggestion, became the second artist to reimagine the Absolut bottle, his iconic 1986 artwork bursts back to life. Absolut meticulously reawakens that original vision, infusing it with fresh vitality for a new generation. The design captures the unmistakable soul of Keith Haring’s art – the bold black outlines, the electrifying reds and yellows, the jubilant dancing figures – seamlessly integrated with the iconic Absolut silhouette.
This artist-edition bottle transcends mere packaging; it’s a piece of portable, celebratory art. The design explodes with Haring’s signature dynamism: dancing figures debossed onto the glass create a tactile rhythm, rendered in his blazing reds and vibrant yellows, sharply contrasted against the unmistakable Absolut blue. Adding a deeply personal touch, the shrink sleeve bears Haring’s own iconic signature. Around the neck, a hand-drawn interpretation of the Absolut medallion, featuring founder L.O. Smith, underscores the artist’s unique contribution. The result is a limited editionmasterpiece that transforms a seminal 2D artwork into a 3D object meant to be held, admired, and ultimately, toasted with.
To fully embody Haring’s spirit, Absolut crafted the Absolut Haring Fizz, a signature cocktail reflecting the artist’s global adventures and New York roots. This bold, East-meets-West fusion combines crisp apple, zesty orange, toasted sesame, and ginger, mirroring the golden yellow hue of Haring’s original artwork in a vibrant, unexpected sip.
“Absolut has always believed that art should be open, joyful, and for everyone,” states Deb Dasgupta, VP Global Marketing, Absolut Vodka. “Keith Haring’s work radiated that belief—full of energy, colour, and hope. With Absolut Haring, we’re inviting a new generation to celebrate that spirit. It’s a vibrant reminder that creativity can inspire, uplift, unite, and open minds.” Liya Zhang, VP Global Marketing at Pernod Ricard GTR, highlights its appeal to modern travellers: “The energy, colour speaks to a new generation looking for creativity in every moment… As Haring said, art is for everybody.”
David Stark of Artestar, representing the Keith Haring Studio, adds, “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.”
The global rollout is an event in itself. The Absolut Haring Artist-Edition launches first in global travel retail this July. Look for eye-catching 3D billboards illuminating major transit hubs like Sydney Airport and Heathrow. A pop-up vending machine at Gatwick Airport will surprise travellers with exclusive Absolut Haring merchandise alongside bottle purchases. For seamless access, Absolut partners with Uber at Heathrow for an Add-to-Wallet campaign, allowing travellers to secure an exclusive gift voucher en route. From October, the bottle lands in over 40 markets worldwide, including Germany, the UK, Mexico, Canada, Australia, China, Italy, and Poland, available for a limited time only in 1L, 700mL, and 750mL sizes.
The Absolut Haring collaboration is more than a bottle; it’s a vibrant, tangible celebration of Keith Haring’s legacy and a powerful statement that creativity remains a vital, unifying force for all. Grab this piece of art history while you can.