Haute Drinks: The Absolut Best

Photo Credit: Absolut Elyx

You may not have realized it, but the Swedish word for luxury is, in fact, ‘lyx.’ Absolut originally wanted to call its completely high-end, premium vodka ‘Elixer’ but, when legal issues prevented using the name of choice, the company decided to shorten it to ‘Elyx.’ Thus, yes, this particular vodka actually translates to drinking ‘Absolut Luxury.’ But despite its posh moniker, the Pernod Ricard brand serves libations in what it refers to as its ‘Elyx Pineapple of Hospitality,’ a fruit boasting that symbolism since the days of the early American colonies. The brand’s copper cup is a nod to its distilling process: Elyx is made in 100% copper stills for a smoother, more refined taste, while serving as the perfect reminder that even the most luxe drink shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Here, the brand that hosts the hautest events at its VIP Absolut Elyx Los Angeles house shares its recipe for the sweet and sultry ‘Driving Miss Daisy’—a drink so delicious it might just drive you wild.

Here’s the recipe:

DRIVING MISS DAISY

Ingredients:
2 oz Elyx
1 oz sweet vermouth
3 oz hibiscus flower tea
11⁄2 oz sugar syrup
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 thumbnail slices ginger
Vessel: Copper pineapple Garnish: Edible flowers

METHOD

Shake and strain into copper pineapple over cubed ice. Cap with crushed ice and garnish.

Photo Credit: Absolut Elyx

Jonas Tahlin is a man who knows a great drink when he sees one. After all, the Swedish-born CEO of Absolut Elyx is a fixture in the luxury libations business. He joined the Absolut team in 2006, moving to the U.S. in the role of Regional Director for the Americas after the brand became part of the Pernod Ricard family in 2008. Several promotions followed quickly, which resulted in his turn as Vice President Global Marketing for The Absolut Company (TAC) in 2011 and, three years later, in his current role. Tahlin now jet sets around the world promoting the brand and its high-end Absolut Elyx houses in Los Angeles, New York and Sweden. He is also working with the brand’s strategy for giving back via a five-year partnership with the non-profit Water For People.