Ricard Liquor
Ricard Liquor is Ricard Pastis de Marseille, a 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL anise apéritif created in Marseille, France, in 1932 by Paul Ricard. The original pastis is flavoured with star anise, liquorice root and aromatic herbs from Provence, and is made to be diluted — one part Ricard to five parts ice-cold water, when it turns cloudy and milky in the glass. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Pastis de Marseille — anise apéritif
- Key botanicals: Star anise, liquorice root, Provençal herbs
- Creator: Paul Ricard, Marseille, 1932
- Serve: 1 part Ricard to 5 parts ice-cold water
- Origin: France
The True Pastis of Marseille
Paul Ricard was 22 when he created his pastis in Marseille in 1932 and marketed it as the true pastis of Marseille; his company merged with Pernod in 1975 to form Pernod Ricard. Nearly a century on, the ritual is unchanged across the cafés of the south of France: cold water first, ice after, and the golden spirit blooming milky — the louche — as the anise oils come out of solution. Pour it alongside the rest of our liqueurs, browse the wider spirits shelf, or visit the Ricard vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Pungent star anise and liquorice with a green, herbal Provençal note. Palate: Rich anise, notably dry despite the liquorice, with fennel and herbal complexity. Finish: Long and lingering, herbal liquorice — softer and more refreshing once diluted.
How to Enjoy
The producer's serve: one part Ricard to five parts ice-cold water, adding the ice after the water, and watch it louche. The apéritif of Marseille, exactly as it has been poured since 1932.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pastis? An anise- and liquorice-flavoured apéritif from the south of France, designed to be diluted with cold water — Ricard, created in 1932, is the original Pastis de Marseille.
Why does Ricard turn cloudy with water? That cloudiness is the louche: anise oils that are soluble in alcohol come out of solution as the drink is diluted, turning it milky and softening the flavour.
Is Ricard the same as Pernod? No — Ricard and Pernod are distinct brands. They were competitors until Paul Ricard's company merged with Pernod in 1975 to create Pernod Ricard.
Pour Marseille's apéritif hour at home — order Ricard online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.