Classic Sazerac Cocktail Recipe

The Sazerac is a New Orleans classic, known for its complex flavors and unique preparation. This recipe aims for the most traditional approach.

Yields: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 5 minutes

Sazerac Ingredients:

• 60 ml (2 oz) Sazerac Rye whiskey (or another quality rye whiskey)
• 7.5 ml (¼ oz) absinthe (or Herbsaint or Pernod as substitutes)
• 7.5 ml (¼ oz) Sazerac recipe simple syrup (or standard simple syrup: equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
• 2-3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel, for expressing oils

Tools:

• Old-fashioned glass (rocks glass)
• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger (for measuring)

Instructions:

Step 1: Chill One Glass, Prepare Another

Fill one old-fashioned glass with ice and set it aside to chill. In your mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey, simple syrup, Peychaud's bitters, and Angostura bitters.

Step 2: Add Ice to Mixing Glass

Fill the mixing glass about two-thirds full with ice.

Step 3: Stir Well

Stir the mixture in the mixing glass gently but thoroughly for about 20-30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

Step 4: Rinse the Chilled Glass

Empty the ice from the chilled old-fashioned glass. Pour the absinthe (or substitute) into the empty glass. Swirl it around to coat the inside of the glass.

Step 5: Discard Excess Absinthe

Carefully pour out the excess absinthe from the glass. Some people prefer to leave a thin coating, while others discard as much as possible, leaving just the aroma.

Step 6: Strain into Rinsed Glass

Strain the chilled whiskey mixture from the mixing glass into the absinthe-rinsed old-fashioned glass. Do not add ice to the serving glass.

Step 7: Express Lemon Oils

Cut a generous piece of lemon peel. Twist it over the drink, expressing the fragrant oils over the surface. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass.

Step 8: Discard the Peel

Traditionally, the lemon peel is discarded after expressing the oils and rimming the glass.

Enjoy your authentic Sazerac!

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Answering Your Questions:

What are the ingredients in a Sazerac?

The essential Sazerac ingredients are:

• Rye whiskey (or sometimes cognac, or a mix)
• Absinthe (or a rinse of an anise-flavored liqueur like Herbsaint or Pernod)
• Simple syrup (Sazerac recipe simple syrup)
• Peychaud's bitters
• Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel

What was the original Sazerac?

The Sazerac cocktail history suggests that the original Sazerac, dating back to the mid-19th century in New Orleans, was made with cognac (specifically Sazerac de Forge et Fils cognac), bitters (initially Sazerac bitters, which were later replaced by Peychaud's), sugar, and a rinse of absinthe. Over time, rye whiskey became a more prevalent base spirit, especially after the phylloxera epidemic affected French brandy production.

What's the difference between an Old-Fashioned and a Sazerac?

The key differences between an Old-Fashioned and a Sazerac are:

• Base Spirit: While both can use whiskey, an Old-Fashioned primarily uses bourbon (or rye), whereas a Sazerac traditionally uses rye whiskey (or cognac, or a blend).
• Sweetener: An Old-Fashioned uses sugar (muddled or simple syrup), while a Sazerac uses simple syrup.
• Bitters: An Old-Fashioned often uses Angostura bitters (sometimes with orange bitters). A Sazerac distinctly uses Peychaud's bitters as its primary aromatic component, often with a dash of Angostura.
• Anise Flavor: The most defining difference is the absinthe (or anise liqueur) rinse in a Sazerac, which provides a unique licorice aroma and flavor that is absent in an Old-Fashioned.
• Preparation: An Old-Fashioned can be built in the glass. A Sazerac involves chilling and preparing two separate glasses – one for mixing the drink and one for the absinthe rinse and serving.
• Garnish: An Old-Fashioned is typically garnished with an orange peel. A Sazerac is garnished with a lemon peel, with its oils expressed over the drink.

What alcohol is best for Sazerac?

While the original Sazerac used cognac, the best alcohol for Sazerac in the modern era is widely considered to be rye whiskey, specifically Sazerac Rye if you can find it. The spicy and bold character of rye whiskey complements the sweetness of the syrup, the bitterness of the bitters, and the distinct anise note of the absinthe beautifully, creating a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail. However, some bartenders and enthusiasts still enjoy versions made with cognac or a combination of rye and cognac.