ABSOLUT® VODKA Celebrates The Spirit Of Mexico With New Limited Edition ABSOLUT® MEXICO

NEW YORK, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its longstanding tradition of rich and creative collaborations, ABSOLUT^® VODKA today announces its highly anticipated limited edition bottle design, ABSOLUT^® MEXICO, available in the U.S. for the first time after its debut in Mexico last year. The release of ABSOLUT MEXICO is the latest limited edition offering from the world's most iconic vodka brand and pays homage to Mexican culture and multicultural heritage.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61058-absolut-vodka-new-limited-edition-absolut-mexico

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM87388)

ABSOLUT has a long history of creative collaborations, and this limited edition was developed in partnership with Dr. Lakra, one of Mexico's most renowned contemporary artists and tattooists, from Oaxaca, Mexico.  The work of Dr. Lakra, also known as Jeronimo Lopez Ramirez, has been featured in exhibitions and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Hammer Museum and the Walker Art Center. 

ABSOLUT MEXICO features original ABSOLUT Vodka in a specially designed bottle that celebrates the spirit of Mexico.   Dr. Lakra combines three legendary icons from ancient Mayan culture – Hurakan (Hurricane), Kukulkan (Serpent) and Balam (Jaguar) – and brings them to life on the ABSOLUT bottle through a modern artistic lens that represents Mexico today.

"For ABSOLUT VODKA, no one was a better choice for our collaboration than Dr. Lakra, with his technique of weaving in the design of existing objects, and in this case, an ABSOLUT VODKA bottle," said Maxime Kouchnir, Vice President, Vodkas, Pernod Ricard USA.  "ABSOLUT MEXICO aims to further inspire cocktail lovers with the ABSOLUT brand, connecting the versatility of our vodka to the vibrant Mexican culture, which this design's stunning effect does perfectly."

Celebrating Mexico's heritage has never been easier. The bottle's colors – shades of orange, green, blue and yellow – make a stunning sight for entertaining, not only as a delicious libation, but also as a collector's art piece. ABSOLUT MEXICO is the perfect base for a variety of signature cocktails, including ABSOLUT SUECA and ABSOLUT LIMONERO.

ABSOLUT MEXICO signature cocktail recipes:

ABSOLUT SUECA
1 Part ABSOLUT MEXICO or ABSOLUT VODKA
3 Parts Pineapple Juice
1 Wedge of Lime

Build over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

ABSOLUT LIMONERO
1 Part ABSOLUT MEXICO or ABSOLUT VODKA
3 Parts Lemonade

Build over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

ABSOLUT MEXICO is available in select retail outlets for a limited time in a 750ml ($19.99 SRP) bottle.  For more information on ABSOLUT MEXICO recipes, please visit Facebook.com/ABSOLUTUS.

ABSOLUT VODKA has been committed to developing innovative flavors since the introduction of ABSOLUT PEPPAR in 1986, its first flavored vodka.  Since then, ABSOLUT has continued to bring a unique twist to common flavors with products such as ABSOLUT® MANDRIN®, ABSOLUT® CITRON, ABSOLUT® KURANT®, ABSOLUT® VANILIA, ABSOLUT® RASPBERRI, ABSOLUT® APEACH®, ABSOLUT® RUBY RED, ABSOLUT® PEARS, ABSOLUT® MANGO, ABSOLUT® BERRI ACAI, ABOSLUT® WILD TEA, ABSOLUT® ORIENT APPLE, ABSOLUT® GRAPEVINE, ABSOLUT® CHERRYKRAN and ABSOLUT® HIBISKUS.

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, which employs more than 18,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlua® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avion™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avion); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 850 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