World's Leading Anise-Based Spirit Raises a Glass to French National Holiday with Spirited Cocktails and Petanque Tournaments

NEW YORK, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- July 14 -- better known as Bastille Day (the Fete de la Federation) -- represents a day of reckoning in French history and has subsequently been deemed a French National Holiday. Although historically marking the beginning of the French Revolution, the holiday has become one of spirited celebration representing the Republic's three ideals -- Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. It has also become a "raison d'etre" for eating, drinking and general merriment -- something the French have perfected throughout the years.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090710/NY44255 )

As July 14 approaches and thousands of French ex-patriots celebrate their national holiday, Ricard, the world's leading anise-based spirit, raises a glass to these time-honored Bastille Day traditions -- from singing La Marseillaise and playing petanque to sipping pastis and water at an outdoor cafe.

Since 1932, Ricard pastis has been made from carefully selected ingredients, including star anise from Southern China, licorice herb from the Middle East and aromatic herbs from Provence. The original taste of Ricard reflects its harmonious mix of ingredients, blended in the same way for 75 years.

Following are three signature Ricard cocktail recipes.

CocoRic'O:

    1 part of Ricard
    5 parts of water
    Serve over ice

French Kiss:

    1 part Ricard
    5 parts cranberry juice

French Mojito:

    1 part of Ricard
    5 parts of sparkling water
    Sugar
    Garnish Lime
    Mint leaves

Ricard is sponsoring petanque tournaments in New York City at Bar Tabac in Brooklyn on Sunday, July 12, from 12pm-8pm and at Cercle Rouge in Manhattan on Tuesday, July 14, from 12pm-8pm.

PRICE

The suggested retail price for Ricard is approximately $25.00/750 milliliter bottle.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD

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. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT(R) Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value. In addition to ABSOLUT(R), Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal(R) Scotch Whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin(R), Beefeater(R) Gin, Plymouth(TM) Gin, Martell(R) Cognac, Malibu(R) flavored Rum, Kahlua(R) Liqueur, Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Pernod(R) and Ricard(R); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek(R) and Brancott Estate(R); and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet(R) Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa(R) sparkling wines.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

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