ABSOLUT(R) VODKA Unveils ABSOLUT(R) BERRI ACAI

A New, Innovative Blend of Acai, Blueberry and Pomegranate Paves the Way for Exceptional Cocktail Experiences

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Feb 11, 2010, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- This February, ABSOLUT® VODKA gives cocktail connoisseurs everywhere a new reason to drink exceptionally. The eleventh unique flavor in the ABSOLUT portfolio, ABSOLUT® BERRI ACAI is an on-trend blend of acai, blueberry and pomegranate with an elegant focused berry aroma; a pure, vital and slightly juicy taste; and a smooth expressive, fresh and berry finish. The new spirit is now available at bars, restaurants and retailers nationwide.

"At ABSOLUT, we seek creativity and innovation in everything we do - in our collaborations, our marketing and most importantly, in our products. As such, we are thrilled to introduce ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI to the market and look forward to watching bartenders and consumers alike enjoy the unique mixability and taste ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will bring to each cocktail," said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT VODKA. "With ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI we hope to inspire consumers and show them how easy and delicious mixology can be."

Featuring a tangy and ripe berry-flavor that's smooth and fresh with a natural sweetness, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI draws upon the characters of three of today's most popular berry flavors – acai, blueberry and pomegranate. Like all ABSOLUT flavors, it creates exceptional cocktails when combined with anything from juices and sodas to muddled fruit and champagne. Mixed with club soda, it conjures up a lazy summer afternoon, even in the winter. Shake with cranberry juice and orange liqueur, it becomes an exceptionally flirty and delicious version of the Cosmopolitan. Similar to its predecessors, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI made from all-natural ingredients, and contains no sugar and no added preservatives.

ABSOLUT introduced ABSOLUT® PEPPAR (1986) and ABSOLUT® CITRON (1988) at a time when no other brands thought of flavored vodka, and single handedly helped propel two highly popular cocktails into the consumer psyche – the Bloody Mary and the Cosmopolitan. Since then, ABSOLUT has been a pioneer within the category, and with ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI, ABSOLUT continues its tradition of developing flavors that inspire cocktail creations and takes mixology to a new level.

Celebrating in Style

To celebrate the launch of the new flavor, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will join Robert Verdi for his 2010 Fashion Week retreat in New York City from February 12 - 18, 2010. As Robert Verdi invites his guests to explore the Future of Fashion, ABSOLUT invites guests to enjoy the future of exceptional cocktails with ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI.

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI Signature Cocktail Recipes

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI SOUR

2 parts ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

3/4 part simple syrup

1 part fresh lemon juice

Shake and strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with blueberries.

BERRI RICKY

2 parts ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part agave nectar (or simple syrup)

4 parts club soda

Build ingredients over fresh ice in a highball. Stir. Garnish with a lime wheel.

BERRI SOPHISTICATED

1 part ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

5 blueberries

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part simple syrup

4 parts Perrier-Jouet® NV Champagne

Muddle blueberries in mixing glass. Add ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Shake & strain in a champagne flute. Top with chilled Perrier-Jouet NV Champagne. Garnish with 3 blueberries on a stick.

Visit absolutdrinks.com, or use the Drinkspiration application for iPhone or Android for recipes and inspiration.

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will be available in 750ml, 1L and 50ml sizes. The suggested retail price is $19.99/750ml.

The other products in the ABSOLUT VODKA family are: ABSOLUT® MANGO, ABSOLUT® PEARS, ABSOLUT® 100, ABSOLUT® RUBY RED, ABSOLUT® APEACH, ABSOLUT® RASPBERRI, ABSOLUT® VANILIA, ABSOLUT® MANDRIN, ABSOLUT® KURANT, ABSOLUT® CITRON, ABSOLUT® PEPPAR and ABSOLUT® VODKA.

ENJOY WITH ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®.

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. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; 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.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 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