ABSOLUT® Vodka's Flavor Portfolio Comes Into Full Bloom With The Introduction Of ABSOLUT® HIBISKUS

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Blooming on back bars and store shelves in January 2013 is the latest addition to the award-winning and trend-forward ABSOLUT flavor portfolio – ABSOLUT® HIBISKUS.  Like its namesake flower, ABSOLUT HIBISKUS is a showstopper with a unique blend of hibiscus, a beautiful, tropical flower; and pomegranate, once considered the fruit of royalty for its rich, red color and glistening seeds.  In traditional fashion, ABSOLUT HIBISKUS is at the forefront of today's hottest flavor trends and opens the doors to creative bartending with inspiration delivered straight from the garden.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130111/NY40934LOGO ) 

"In recent years, a sophisticated trend has emerged, as more and more bartenders are adding floral ingredients to the mix," said Eric Horowitz, Senior Brand Manager - ABSOLUT, Pernod Ricard USA.  "The distinctive combination of Hibiskus will appeal to consumers who have tired of the confectionary flavored vodka category and are looking for something for a more refined palate with no added sugar or preservatives."

The slightly acidic, berry-flavor hibiscus underlined by the sweet notes of pomegranate creates the intriguing ABSOLUT HIBISKUS.  Made from all natural ingredients with no added sugar, ABSOLUT HIBISKUS is versatile and easy to mix.  The finish is long, smooth and slightly sweet with floral and fruity notes that work beautifully with cranberry or ruby red grapefruit juice.

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 and ABSOLUT© CHERRYKRAN.

ABSOLUT HIBISKUS will be available in 1L, 750mL and 50mL sizes and will retail for a suggested price of $21/750.

Below is a sample of ABSOLUT HIBISKUS cocktails. For more cocktail recipes, visit www.ABSOLUTDRINKS.com or download the DRINKSPIRATION mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

ABSOLUT HIBISKUS AND CRANBERY JUICE

2 parts ABSOLUT HIBISKUS

4 parts cranberry juice

ABSOLUT HIBISKUS DAISY

2 parts ABSOLUT HIBISKUS

3/4 parts fresh lemon juice

3/4 parts simple syrup

1/2 part pomegranate syrup

ABSOLUT KINGSTON BUCK

1 part ABSOLUT HIBISKUS

4 parts ginger beer

Lime juice from half a lime

Lime zest

ABSOLUT ROSEMALLOW

2 parts ABSOLUT HIBISKUS

2 parts tonic

2 parts grapefruit soda

Lime wedge

FLOR DE ABSOLUT

2 parts ABSOLUT HIBISKUS

2 parts fresh blood grapefruit juice

2 bar spoons simple syrup

Orange zest

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