With many of us focusing on outdoor entertaining this spring, selecting the ideal refreshment to complement a barbecue or garden gathering can present quite a dilemma. Drinks with a fiery edge have been ubiquitous recently, with the likes of Picantes and Spicy Margaritas gaining enormous traction amongst drinkers and social media enthusiasts.

Now, vodka specialist Absolut has unveiled a new spicy TABASCO variant of the spirit, and drinkers are hailing it as their 'spicy Bloody Mary secret.' The Absolut can be bought from Ocado for £22.70, and is characterised on the retailer's website as delivering the 'perfect balance of heat and flavour.'

For those curious about how to servethe beverage, it's already gaining popularity amongst enthusiasts for creating homemade Bloody Mary cocktails for brunch, or it could alternatively be incorporated into a Spicy Vodkarita, which is perfect for those who favour a margarita. Those who prefer something slightly more straightforward may opt to prepare a Spicy Lemonade, which according to a recipe on Ocado's website calls for a shot of the fiery vodka, combined with the soft drink and a wheel of lemon, plus an optional chilli garnish for those who desire an additional kick.

The key to the Absolut TABASCO®'s flavour is the combination of Swedish vodka and the taste of the fermented red pepper mash utilised to produce the TABASCO® brand's sauce. The outcome is a smooth beverage that encapsulates the essence of the renowned hot sauce in liquid form.

Elsewhere, those desiring a vodka with a hint of flavour may also want to explore Smirnoff's Cherry Drop Vodka which is available at Amazon for £16.25 for 70cl (was £19.25). Meanwhile, at Au Vodka, we've also noticed the £34.99 70cl Juicy Peach flavour, which appears perfect for summer beverages.

According to Absolut, the Technomic Flavor Trends Report 2020 indicates nearly 59% of 18-34 year olds say they favour very spicy flavours, and it appears many reviewers might just concur. Drinkers who have posted reviews for the Absolut TABASCO® at Amazon - where it's also available - have been left impressed, reports The Mirror.

One stated: "Spicy Bloody Mary secret. Stick 50ml over ice with Pickle House spiced tomato juice for the PERFECT spicy Bloody Mary.

"Be fancy with a cornichon garnish if ya want, I prefer a simple lemon slice, but that's just me. Banging." Meanwhile, another enthused: "Superb for Bloody Marys. Bought this for Bloody Marys and perfect rate of hotness!

"I grew up with Cajun and various hot ethnic foods, and this is the perfect heat for the kick that Bloody Mary needs. Typical Absolut vodka smoothness with the expertly blended best of Tabasco. Make your best brunch Bloody Mary at home.

"Highly recommended and Bloody Marys are one of my fave drinks. There's no other vodka for them now that I've tried this!" It is, naturally, worth highlighting that, as with all matters concerning food and drink, preferences may differ from individual to individual, and given that Absolut states 'even spice lovers will find this too hot to handle', those who are sensitive to heat might discover the drink somewhat on the fiery side.

One reviewer remarked: "Very overpowering smell of Tabasco, not worth it. You're better off buying original and making your own Bloody Mary with Tabasco. Gave my bottle away, stick to original Absolut only, but other flavours for Absolut are great. It's a great brand I love, but this was my first dislike."

Despite this, another took a different view, noting: "Good chilli kick. It's got a bigger chilli kick than expected but makes the most amazing Bloody Mary."

Absolut TABASCO® can be purchased from Ocado, Amazon and Morrisons and is restricted to those aged 18 and over - please drink responsibly.