Sazerac

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Alcoholic Cocktail Rocks or Old-Fashioned Glass 5 ingredients

Recipe

Absinthe (to rinse)
2 1/2 oz Bourbon Whiskey (Rye)
4 dashes bitters (Peychaud's)
1/2 oz Simple Syrup (or Demerara)
Lemon Peel (Garnish)

Instructions

Pour absinthe into a chilled glass and swirl around to coat glass, discard any excess. In a mixing glass with ice, place the simple syrup, bitters, and whiskey. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into the rocks glass (without ice). Twist the lemon peel over the drink's surface to express the peel's oils, then garnish with the peel.

The original sazerac was made with cognac, so feel free to substitute the whiskey for cognac. The simple syrup can also be substituted for one sugar cube - muddle the sugar cube, bitters, and 1 teaspoon of water in the mixing glass before adding the whiskey and ice.

About Sazerac

The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that hails from New Orleans, often celebrated as one of the oldest American cocktails. This elegant drink is a harmonious blend of absinthe (or anise licorice liqueur), sugar, bitters, water, and bourbon whiskey, garnished with a twist of lemon. The Sazerac offers a complex flavor profile where the bitters and absinthe contribute a spicy and aromatic foundation, the sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the bourbon provides a rich, robust body.

Historically, the Sazerac dates back to the early 19th century and is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac, which was originally used in the drink. Over time, as cognac became less available, rye whiskey and later bourbon whiskey became the preferred base spirit. Peychaud's Bitters, created by Antoine Peychaud, a Creole apothecary in New Orleans, are an essential component of the Sazerac, giving it a distinctive character. This cocktail not only embodies the spirit of New Orleans but also stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its influence on the world of mixology.

This cocktail is alcoholic, so drink responsibly! Best served in a Rocks or Old-Fashioned Glass, though any glass works!

Feel free to get creative with substitutions — try different fruit types, sugar substitutes, or liquor brands. Crafting cocktails should be fun!