In person connections are making a comeback this summer as the world moves offscreen. But, the pandemic is still impacting spots across the country and a recent survey, conducted by KRC Research on behalf of Absolut, found that over half of adults (56%) have not talked to their friends about their social distance expectations, and among those planning to go on in-person dates, 47% don’t expect to. Which is why the brand known for mixing cocktails is emboldening people to keep respect in the mix with the launch of Drink Responsibly, #MixResponsibly – a rally cry for fans to boldly broadcast their boundaries, openly and honestly. Because no matter how you choose to connect this summer, it’s important to acknowledge that everybody mixes a little differently these days.
“Before the pandemic, people were uncomfortable establishing and expressing boundaries with both those closest to them and strangers alike,” said Pam Forbus, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer for Pernod Ricard North America. “The last year and a half changed that, having forced people to draw lines in the sand, figuratively and literally. Absolut’s #MixResponsibly campaign is meant to encourage continued communication of people’s physical and emotional boundaries, as we embrace new social freedoms and enjoy the summer season.”
While the past year was full of drastic ups and downs, it also provided a moment of reflection and re-establishment of personal boundaries. With 59% of Americans under the age of 35 planning to go on in-person dates this summer, Absolut is empowering everyone – from long-time friends to those embarking on a first date – to approach post-pandemic life and relationships open and honestly. The vodka brand will release a limited-edition #MixResponsibly collection made up of shirts, tanks and bucket hats that will feature Absolut Summer Comeback Statements, a series of cheeky statements designed to help anyone broadcast their boundaries this summer, whether mixing a cocktail or with one another. Absolut Summer Comeback Statements are co-created with bold cultural voices like Serena Kerrigan, a notable dating expert who redefined dating during a pandemic and certified “queen of confidence”, and Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez, an Emmy nominated American singer and actress known for her groundbreaking role in Pose. Fans who are ready to own their self-expression and communicate their comfort level confidently can purchase their must-have merchandise at https://moverandshakerco.com/collections/absolut-collection.
Additional key survey findings include:
- 71% of American adults spent time in a social setting in the past two weeks, with restaurants being the most popular destination.
- 94% of American adults are continuing to practice social distancing in some form, and 62% say they’re social distancing “always” or “often”.
- Half of American adults plan to go on in-person dates this summer. Among those planning to go on in-person dates, nearly half (47%) are not planning to talk about their social distancing preferences ahead of time.
- In instances where social distancing and mask use preference are discussed, the majority are not willing to change their plans based on their friends’ expectations or behaviors around social distancing (62%) and mask use (61%).
“Absolut’s Summer Comeback Statements were created to help fans playfully, yet respectfully communicate their level of comfort when interacting with others. There is a lot of anticipation heading into this summer and it’s important that people are able to openly share how they #MixResponsibly” said Forbus.
“Drink Responsibly. #MixResponsibly” is the fourth in a series of campaigns for Absolut that tackles the many aspects of responsibility and how it intersects with the most important, culturally relevant issues of the day. The campaign launched with digital and social content, as well as a :15 TVC, earlier this month. The limited-edition Absolut Summer Comeback Collection is part of a donation to GLAAD, an ongoing partner of Absolut and an organization at the forefront of cultural change and accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
Absolut is a brand with a long tradition of sparking cultural conversations and advocating for a more open and inclusive world. The latest iteration of the Drink Responsibly platform builds on the message of the previous campaigns – #SexResponsibly and #LoveResponsibly – taking a stand on the issue of consent and putting respect at the center of the conversation. Absolut is also proud of its parent company, Pernod Ricard USA, and its support of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org), which has worked to produce a 29% reduction in underage drinking over the last decade through impactful programs like BAC Calculator: The Virtual Bar, Starts with Me and Drive like you Give a #&%!
To learn more about our campaign and to find the full slate of Absolut Summer Comeback Statements, visit absolut.com/mixresponsibly.
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
ABSOLUT®. PRODUCT OF SWEDEN. 40% ALC./VOL. ©2020. IMPORTED BY ABSOLUT SPIRITS CO., NEW YORK, NY.
About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second-largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Avión® Tequila, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Malibu®, Martell® Cognac, Olmeca Altos® Tequila , Beefeater® Gin, Del Maguey® Single Village Mezcal, Monkey 47® Gin, Plymouth® Gin, Seagram’s® Extra Dry Gin, Malfy® Gin, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Midleton® Irish Whiskey, Powers® Irish Whiskey, Redbreast® Irish Whiskey, Aberlour® Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Lillet®; Smithworks® Vodka, Jefferson’s® Bourbon, Smooth Ambler® Whiskey, Rabbit Hole® Whiskey, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards, Campo Viejo® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.
Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 700 employees across the country. As “creators of conviviality,” we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.responsibility.org.
About KRC Research
KRC Research is a global public opinion research consultancy. Through proven methodologies and decades of experience interpreting data, we deliver meaningful insights and inform strategic decisions for our clients around the globe.
Survey Methodology
The survey was fielded between June 4th and 6th, 2021 as part of a nationwide online omnibus survey among adults of legal drinking age across the United States. A total of 954 adults ages 21+ completed the survey. The survey sample was weighted to ensure it was representative of the U.S. adult population on demographic factors including gender, age, region, education and race/ethnicity.
