Absolut Vodka is creating a special-edition flavored vodka to honor New Orleans, and the proceeds will go to Gulf Coast charities, the company announced Wednesday.

Absolut made the announcement and previewed the mango-with-black-pepper flavor at the annual New Orleans culinary festival, Tales of the Cocktail.

Absolut New Orleans, which goes on sale Aug. 1, commemorates the second anniversary on Aug. 29 of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans. The company plans to make 35,000 cases, with 100% of the sales — an estimated $2 million — to go to the charities.

A national print ad shows people returning to the city to rebuild. Absolut is known for print ads highlighting U.S. cities, a campaign it started 20 years ago.
The charities that Absolut New Orleans will help are: New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Volunteer Mobile, Tipitina's Foundation, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association to help rebuild homes as well as the culture and nightlife of the New Orleans area.

Source: www.usatoday.com/money/adv...eans_N.htm