A big 1 litre bottling of Ricard Pastis.

First created by Paul Ricard in 1932, when he was at the tender age of 21, the bottling served to fill vacuum left by the absinthe ban in France.

An anise and liquorice flavoured aperitif, Ricard is also enhanced with the addition of Herbs de Provence.

Production begins with a percolation of liquorice root, purified water and alcohol, which is repeated three times. The other herbs go through the same process, whilst anise and fennel essence is also created. The three ingredients are then blended with neutral spirit, sugar and caramel, which gives the pastis its distinctive colour.

The spirit is distilled close to the seaside city of Marseille, and aged in large barrels in the open air, giving the final product something of a coastal flavour.

Ricard has flavours of fennel, chopped herbs, lemon juice, dark liqourice, menthol, rich spice, and Christmassy star anise.

Traditionally served heavily diluted with iced water, which makes the spirit turn a milky colour. A classic French cocktail, the Canarie, adds lemon syrup producing a yellow coloured drink reminiscent of the eponymous bird.

• Distillery / brand
  Ricard
• Country
  France
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• SKU
  035113