Ricard Pastis

Ricard Pastis

Ricard Pastis is the world’s bestselling anise-based spirit. What makes it one of a kind is its inimitable taste and unique production method that guarantees quality.

It all began in Marseille in the 1930s, when cafes sold any number of anise-based liqueurs, most of them illicit and too sweet for consumers’ tastes.

In Sainte-Marthe, Paul Ricard, a wine-merchant’s son, dreamt of finding a formula “that would meet everyone’s tastes”.

In his improvised laboratory he would macerate Provençal plants, fennel seeds, aniseed essence and more.
One day in 1932, he finally had his recipe, declaring, “It shall be called Ricard, the real pastis from Marseille!”.

The reputation of Ricard pastis is built on the quality and variety of its natural ingredients.

The main ingredient is star anise, harvested in southern China where only the best fruits are handpicked, sundried and distilled on site to produce anise essential oil, which preserves the star anise’s full aroma.

This rigorous selection process ensures that only the finest anise essential oils are used.

The pursuit of the finest flavours also takes us to the Middle East, in quest of another natural ingredient: liquorice.

The most aromatic liquorice roots are selected on site as soon as they are harvested.
This is the ingredient that gives Ricard pastis its roundness and legendary yellow hue.

The journey ends in Provence’s garrigue. Thyme? Sarriette? Marjoram? The famous recipe remains secret, but owes much of its success to the aromas produced by Provençal plants.

In accordance with Paul Ricard’s original recipe, Ricard pastis should be served cold.
It should be prepared by adding 10cl of chilled water to 2cl of Ricard and then adding the ice cubes last. This ritual will release the full aroma of the anise.
The unique recipe makes for an ideal combination with cordials (like pomegranate, mint, orgeat or grapefruit) or fruit juices (mango, strawberry, cranberry).

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Ricard Pastis