Sazerac
Learn to mix the Sazerac, one of America's oldest cocktails. A complex blend of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's Bitters.
Strengthvery strong
GlassTumbler
BaseWhiskey
GarnishLemon peel
Prep Time5 mins
CuisineNew Orleans (United States)
Description
The Sazerac is not just a cocktail; it's a piece of American history and the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans. It is considered one of the first, if not the first, branded cocktails in America, originally made with Sazerac de Forge et Fils Cognac. The Cognac was later replaced by the spicier rye whiskey. The special thing about the Sazerac is the ritual of its preparation: a glass is rinsed with absinthe, which gives the drink a subtle anise aroma. The drink itself is served without ice and is a potent, complex mixture characterized by the unique Peychaud's Bitters.
Preparation
- Fill a tumbler glass with ice to chill it.
- In a second glass (a mixing glass), fill with ice and add the whiskey, simple syrup, and Peychaud's Bitters. Stir until well-chilled.
- Discard the ice from the first tumbler. Add the absinthe to the empty, chilled glass, swirl it to coat the inside walls, and discard the excess absinthe.
- Strain the contents of the mixing glass through a bar strainer into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
- Squeeze a lemon peel over the drink to express its oils, rub the rim of the glass with it, and then discard the peel (it does not go into the glass).
