Pernod Absinthe, the original and most authentic absinthe ever produced, will honor National Absinthe Day today with a dedicated event in New York City and celebratory cocktails at select bars and restaurants across the country. A classic spirit that was banned in 1912 - and lifted 5 years ago this summer - absinthe has long been an inspiration for artists, writers, and bartenders alike. On National Absinthe Day, Pernod Absinthe invites cocktail lovers everywhere to enjoy this unique spirit, a drink that is known for driving the cocktail renaissance in the United States and abroad.

"National Absinthe Day is an opportunity to push the barriers of your comfort zone; this beverage brings a mysterious and bold aura that no other spirit can offer," said Pernod Absinthe Brand Ambassador Anne-Louis Marquis. "This occasion is the perfect opportunity to honor and celebrate this often misunderstood spirit. In addition to being a classic spirit, absinthe carries with it a cultural influence that has inspired some of the most well-renown creatives of the 19th century, including Ernest Hemingway and Edgar Degas."

Pernod Absinthe is a high proof spirit distilled from Grand Warmwood, fennel, and anise. Its unique light green hue, herbaceous nose, and creamy sweet anise dominant taste characteristics come directly from these three plants.

In celebration of National Absinthe Day, several well-known bars and restaurants will be serving custom absinthe cocktails to guests and patrons including Maison Premiere (New York City), Booker and Dax (New York City), Dead Rabbit (New York City), and Apotheke (New York City).*

Pernod Absinthe offers the below tips to help demystify absinthe, and encourages cocktail lovers everywhere to enjoy one of the special absinthe cocktail recipes the brand has created especially for this annual celebration.

Become an Absinthe Connoisseur - The Ritual of Drinking Absinthe

Absinthe is often served in a traditional ritual:

        1.   Pour a measure of absinthe in an absinthe glass
2. Place a sugar cube on a flat perforated spoon on top of the glass
3. Drip ice-cold water on the sugar cube to slowly dissolve it
4. Add three to six parts water to the glass
5. Take your time, sip. The slower, the better
 

Absinthe Cocktails:

Telltale Heart
½ part Pernod Absinthe
½ part Crème Yvette
Sugar cube
Champagne

Hada Verde
2 Parts blanco tequila
1 Part Pernod Absinthe
2 Parts lime juice
¾ Parts simple syrup
muddled fresh rosemary
sea salt

Green Beast
1 Part Absinthe
1 Part lime juice
1 Part simple
4 parts water
Sliced cucumbers
Served over ice

*For additional venues and availability:
Tracy Siegel
PernodRicard@allisonpr.com

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®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth? Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión? Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; 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 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.

Allison+Partners for Pernod Ricard
Tracy Siegel, 646-428-0603
PernodRicard@allisonpr.com