Absolut® Unveils Launch of New Absolut Lime, the Latest Addition to the Brand's Iconic Flavor Portfolio

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Absolut® officially unveils Absolut Lime as the newest, most refreshingly versatile addition to round out the iconic Absolut citrus portfolio, joining Absolut Citron and Absolut Mandrin – the No. 1 selling lemon and orange-flavored vodkas in the U.S¹. In addition to hitting nightlife destinations and at-home bar carts nationwide, Absolut Lime will step into the "limelight" at the 59^th GRAMMY® Awards® on February 12, 2017. The brand's multifaceted sponsorship will include TV, digital, social and a signature GRAMMY® Awards® cocktail – the Absolut Limelight.

Nearly 30 years ago, Absolut introduced Absolut Citron – a flavor that quickly skyrocketed into pop culture as a key ingredient in the Cosmopolitan cocktail. Ten years later, Absolut Mandrin further diversified the brand's flavor line-up offering the perfect hint of sweetness. And like its citrus counterparts, new Absolut Lime features its own distinct flavor profile with a balance of full-bodied citrus flavor with a light finish.

"Lime is a very dynamic and complex fruit and we believe we've created the perfect flavor blend in Absolut Lime to enhance and elevate a variety of cocktails," said Nick Guastaferro, Director of Marketing, Absolut, Pernod Ricard USA. "Thanks to a delicious flavor and easy mixability, Absolut Lime is great for going out or staying in, for creating simple or complex cocktails. We can't wait to see how our fans take Absolut Lime and make it their own to create their Absolut Nights."

Absolut Lime embodies the brand's ongoing commitment to superior quality vodka.  Like every drop of Absolut Vodka found anywhere in the world, the new flavor is produced in a small village in Southern Sweden named Ahus. Ahus is Absolut's One Source, where high-quality ingredients come from the hands of trans-generational farmers with an unwavering commitment to produce superior, high-quality vodka – all within a small, 75 mile radius.

Absolut Lime Debuts at the 59^th GRAMMY® Awards®

Superior flavored vodka deserves a star-studded debut. As the official spirits partner of the 59^th GRAMMY® Awards®  the spotlight will shine on Absolut Lime, refreshing Music's Biggest Night® with the, "Absolut Limelight."

With a refreshing mix of soda, ginger ale and Absolut Lime – the Absolut Limelight will be featured throughout the GRAMMY® Awards® in TV, digital and social channels giving viewers, music and nightlife fans alike the chance to toast alongside their favorite artists.

"We can't think of a better place to officially launch Absolut Lime than the GRAMMY Awards," says Guastaferro. "Music has an inherent ability to bring people together in unique, unexpected ways – which is at the heart of Absolut's DNA as a leader in nightlife, inclusivity and unexpected social connections. Absolut Lime offers a new, refreshingly simple way for consumers to reimagine their cocktail, nightlife and social scenes."

Absolut Lime Cocktails Designed for Sipping, Savoring and Celebrating
Absolut Lime is available nationwide for an MSRP of $19.99 (750ml) and $24.99 (1L). Its refreshingly light flavor profile provides the perfect canvas to bring together a variety of ingredients, creating cocktails that range from simple to complex, including:

Absolut Limelight: The Signature GRAMMY® Week Cocktail
2 parts Absolut Lime
2 parts soda
2 parts ginger ale
½ part fresh lime

Build in a highball over ice. Garnish with lime stirrer skewered with accordion cucumber.

Absolut Lime Drop
2 parts Absolut Lime
1 part Lime Juice
¾ part Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a shot glass. Garnish with sugared lime.

Absolut Lime Vodkarita
2 parts Absolut Lime
1 part Lime Juice
½ part Agave Nectar

Shake all ingredients with ice until cold. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and a half salted rim. Garnish with a lime wedge.

For more information on Absolut Lime, including cocktail recipes and inspiration, visit Absolut.com/AbsolutLime.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
© 2017 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 18,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Tequila Avión®, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa®, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, Olmeca Altos™, Beefeater® Gin, Lot No. 40™ and Pike Creek®, Midleton®, Powers®, Redbreast®, Plymouth®, Seagram's® Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Lillet®, Hiram Walker®, Pernod®, Ricard®; and such superior wines as Kenwood Vineyards®, Brancott Estate®, Campo Viejo®, Graffigna® and Jacob's Creek®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and in moderation. For more information, please visit: www.responsibility.org.

About The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and recording professionals dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Recording Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy / GRAMMYs on Facebook, and join The Recording Academy's social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube. GRAMMY®, GRAMMY Awards®, GRAMMY Celebration® and the gramophone logo are registered trademarks of The Recording Academy® and are used under license ©2017 The Recording Academy

¹ Data as of Dec 3, 2016; Nielsen XAOC and Liquor Plus.

SOURCE Absolut