Ah, Ricard. It’s more than just a drink, it’s a true French institution, a symbol of friendly moments on a terrace under the southern sun. But be careful, mastering your Ricard is an art. So, whether you are a beginner or a connoisseur looking to perfect your technique, here’s everything you need to know to prepare a proper Ricard.
What is the ideal dose of Ricard?
If you’ve ever wondered how much Ricard you should really pour into a glass, you’re not alone. The official dose, and the one you should respect for a proper Ricard, is 2 cl. Yes, only 2 cl! It may seem little, but it’s enough to reveal the full power of anise without making the drink too strong. It’s the perfect dose to balance the flavors and the alcohol.
Official dose: 2 cl explained
Why 2 cl? Well, it’s not a coincidence. This amount contains 10 g of pure alcohol, which allows you to dose your consumption correctly, and above all, to fully enjoy the flavors of pastis. It’s a tradition that dates back decades and continues to be respected in the majority of bars and restaurants.
How to adjust according to tastes?
That being said, everyone has their preferences. Some prefer a lighter Ricard, others a bit stronger. So you can adjust the dose, but keep in mind that a base of 2 cl remains the ideal balance. If you want a stronger pastis, you can go up to 2.5 cl or even 3 cl for the more daring. But beyond that, beware of the “knockout” effect.
Recommended dilution ratio
Now that you know how much Ricard to put in your glass, it’s time to talk about dilution. Because no, you don’t drink your Ricard neat (or at least, I don’t recommend it). The traditional ratio, the one that allows you to savor your Ricard while enjoying a refreshing drink, is 1 dose of Ricard for 5 parts of water. In practice, if you put 2 cl of Ricard, you will need to add 10 cl of water.
How much water for a dose of Ricard?
If you follow the 5:1 rule, it gives you about 10 cl of water for 2 cl of Ricard. But beware, this is a base. According to your preferences (and those of your guests), you can adjust this ratio. Some like their Ricard lighter and add more water, others prefer a more concentrated drink.
Little tip: always start by pouring the Ricard, then add the water. Pouring water before alcohol could disrupt the homogeneity of the drink.
Tips for customizing the dilution
- Lighter: If you want a milder Ricard, switch to a 6:1 or even 7:1 ratio (15 cl of water for 2 cl of Ricard).
- Stronger: For thrill-seekers, you can go down to a 4:1 (8 cl of water for 2 cl of Ricard), but no less, otherwise you lose the balance entirely.
How many doses in a bottle of Ricard?
A question that often comes up: how many glasses can you serve with a bottle of Ricard? Well, it depends on the size of the bottle. Here’s a small table that should answer this essential question.
| Bottle capacity | Number of doses (2 cl) | Number of glasses (with 10 cl of water) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 cl | 35 | 35 |
| 1 liter | 50 | 50 |
| 1.5 liters | 75 | 75 |
70 cl vs 1L Bottle: What’s the Difference?
If you want to organize a gathering with friends, a 70 cl bottle will allow you to serve 35 glasses, which is perfect for a small get-together. But if you’re planning a bigger event, the 1-liter bottle is your best ally with its 50 doses. For a large party, you can even opt for the 1.5-liter bottle that will provide you with 75 glasses. Enough to please everyone without having to open three bottles.
Calculating doses for your parties
If you’re the type to host parties, it’s always useful to know how many bottles to buy. Here’s a simple rule: for every 10 guests, count 1 liter of Ricard. This will allow you to serve around 50 glasses, enough for a successful evening without the risk of running out.
Little tip: always plan a little more, especially if you have guests who like to “top up” their glass.
Some variations to spice up your Ricard
Because Ricard is a drink that can be customized according to your desires. Here are some ideas to add a bit of flair to your aperitif:
- Mint Ricard: Add a few fresh mint leaves to your glass for an even more refreshing taste.
- Lemon Ricard: A squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the aniseed flavors and add a touch of acidity.
- Iced Ricard: Prepare your Ricard with ice cubes and a little more water for an ultra-refreshing version, perfect for summer.
Now, it’s your turn!
There you have all the keys to prepare a perfect Ricard. Whether for a quiet evening or a big party, you now know exactly how to dose, dilute, and customize your favorite aperitif. So, what are you waiting for to impress your friends with your mastery of Ricard?
Don’t forget to share this article with your Ricard-loving friends and, why not, discover other aperitif recipes on our website. If you’re looking for ideas to enhance your evenings, our guides and affiliated products are there to inspire you!
