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France's Revolutionary Ritual
A toast to independence
Both French and American Nationals chose steamy July days in the latter part of the 18th Century to declare their independence from tyranny.
Americans commemorate the July 4th Independence Day with parades, picnics and fireworks. In a similar vein, the French celebrate their liberty from the monarchy (King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette) and the start of the French Revolution on Bastille Day, July 14th.
In both countries the holiday is the time that families gather to watch military parades and air shows, peruse carnivals or street fairs, dance, watch fireworks and picnic.
In the U.S., Americans' traditional picnic foods range from hot dogs, hamburgers and baked beans to barbecue chicken, ribs, cole slaw and potato salad, but a French picnic is of a much simpler fare. Typical French picnic food includes basic baguettes along with whole meal breads, rich assortment of cheeses, charcuterie (cooked meats including sausages from the Alps flavored with everything from anise to morel mushrooms), pink hams and farmhouse pates.
"At picnics in France, wine or cold, refreshing drinks are the favorite beverages served," said Sandrine Ricard, public relations manager, Ricard, the pastis of Marseille. "Ricard is a traditional French pastis drink containing fresh herbs from Provence, which is often served with water over ice. It is an ideal drink for a summer picnic."
In addition to the aromatic herbs of Provence, Ricard offers a subtle blend of star anise from China and licorice from the Mediterranean.
To experience the Ricard ritual, serve it in a long glass (5 parts water to 1 part Ricard) over ice. The beverage's aniseed flavor is underlined by the generosity of licorice and accompanied by aromatic finishing notes of fruit, flowers and spices. Or mix up one of New York's Cafe Centro Perroquets.
