The SVEDKA Robot Is Back – and She's Picking Up the Bar Tab

Her mission? Reboot human connection, one SVEDKA cocktail at a time - because most Americans say phones are replacing real-life conversation

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 26, 2025 – Social media, algorithms, and live feeds - oh my! Technology has changed everything about the way we socialize, and nights out haven't escaped the scroll. That's why SVEDKA Vodka is bringing back a familiar face to remind us all of an important fact: real connection can still happen at the bar. After a 12-year hiatus, the SVEDKA Robot, a pop culture icon first introduced in 2005, returns to tackle the problem head-on, autocorrecting boring nights out and re-upgrading the fun, one SVEDKA cocktail at a time.

This robot isn't here to steal your job or write your emails… she's here to buy you a drink. In 2013 the SVEDKA Robot powered down and jetted off to a faraway place (the future, obviously) but now she's back, charged up and ready to reboot a world that's drowning in AI, endless notifications and double taps instead of double dates. And it's a mission America clearly needs right now. A 2025 SVEDKA survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found:

  • 65% say people they know use phones to "fill space" during in-person moments.
  • 79% of Gen Z admit to doing it frequently, with more than 4 in 5 fake-texting to avoid talking to someone in public.
  • More than 3 in 5 surveyed say they use their phone to avoid eye contact (69%) or speaking to someone they don't know in public (68%).
  • 63% say digital conveniences have cut down on how often people go out socially.
  • More than half (54%) say people make less small talk with strangers today compared to five years ago.
"The SVEDKA Robot first arrived when bars were vibrant and brimming with real connection, laughter, and last-minute happy hour plans," said David Binder, Senior Brand Director of SVEDKA. "When she disappeared over a decade ago, we thought the biggest buzzkill was last call. Now, it's doomscrolling at the bar, staring at bright, handheld computer screens. But not anymore! The Robot's return is a reminder to look up, reconnect with those around us, and celebrate while we're here. The night is still yours!"

It's with this in mind that SVEDKA is introducing "She's Got a Tab," the official comeback campaign for the SVEDKA robot.

Beginning Thursday, August 28, just ahead of Labor Day weekend, SVEDKA's robot is picking up the tab at bars nationwide. SVEDKA will send $15 via Venmo to randomly selected verified submissions, covering the first drink for over 1,000 consumers this holiday and beyond. To enter for a chance to win, participants must submit a candid photo of themselves and the crew they'd like to take out for a round of SVEDKA cocktails at SvedkaBarTab.com. By participating, they pledge to stay off their phones and be fully present for at least 30 minutes of an IRL experience. The campaign rewards presence over posting, putting your nightlife routine back in 'human mode.'

"The irony is part of the point, using a robot to help humans act a little less robotic," said Binder. "This isn't anti-tech, it's pro-real-life connection. We're encouraging people to relive the early-aught days of drinking culture: lift your heads, share a laugh, and rediscover the simple joy of being together, no emojis required, ideally in person, with a SVEDKA drink in hand."
"She's Got a Tab" is just the start of where fans can spot the SVEDKA Robot. The campaign—concepted by Sazerac's in-house creative team, The Shop, and produced with Silverside AI, the world's leading AI marketing innovation lab—will continue rolling out through the rest of 2025. The first spots, titled "Don't Drink and Hard Drive" and "Thirst Trap of the Future," are currently airing on YouTube, YouTube TV, and Meta platforms.