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By Shawn Williams
4.50 from 2 votes
Apr 12, 2018, Updated Mar 05, 2024
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The Sazerac is a classic whiskey co*cktail originating in New Orleans’ French Quarter in the mid-1800s. The Sazerac is spirit-forward with herbal notes and a fresh citrus aroma! If you’re a whiskey lover, this co*cktail is for you!
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients
- How to Make a Sazerac co*cktail
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Whiskey co*cktails
- Sazerac co*cktail Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
The Sazerac co*cktail recipe is an interesting combo of rye whiskey (I like Sazerac Rye), sugar (simple syrup), absinthe, Peychaud bitters, and lemon peel. Peychaud’s bitters give the co*cktail its signature reddish hue and somewhat floral aroma. The co*cktail drinks like a spicy and floral Old Fashioned co*cktail with deep notes of fresh citrus.
If you enjoyed this co*cktail, also try the Scofflaw co*cktail, Brooklyn co*cktail, and Improved Whiskey co*cktail.
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey: I prefer Sazerac Rye because it’s solid and affordable. Michters, George Dickle, and Rittenhouse are all great options.
- Simple sugar: a 50-50 mix of water and sugar by weight. If you don’t have a scale, use 1 cup of water per 1 cup of sugar.
- Peychaud’s bitters: Peychaud bitters are red in appearance and offer an anise-forward, licorice-like flavor. These are critical to the signature flavor of the co*cktail and should not be substituted.
- Angostura bitters: some recipes omit Angostura however I like to use a combination.
- Absinthe: Absinthe is not mandatory but it does enhance the co*cktail flavor, adding additional anise flavor. Any Absinthe you can find should do the trick. A bottle will last years.
- Lemon peel: lemon peel adds a burst of citrus flavor and aroma. It’s equally important as the Peychaud bitters. Rather than garnishing the drink, the peel should be discarded after expressing the oils.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
How to Make a Sazerac co*cktail
Step 1.
Start with a chilled or frozen double old-fashioned glass. The sazerac is served straight up with no ice. A chilled glass will keep your drink cool for longer. To quickly chill a glass, fill it with ice and water and stir.
Step 2.
The sazerac starts with what’s called an absinthe rinse. Pour a bar spoon of absinthe into your serving glass and twirl it around to coat the entire interior of the glass. Discard the rest or take a swig.
Quick Tip
For an easier absinthe rinse, fill a mini co*cktail spray bottle and mist the absinthe into the glass. This works well and doesn’t waste any absinthe.
Step 3.
Combine all remaining ingredients (except the lemon peel) in a mixing glass and vigorously stir with plenty of ice. Strain into the absinthe-coated glass.
Step 4.
Finish with oil of a lemon peel. Point the outer peel (non-pith side) outward facing the Sazerac and gently squeeze the edges so the oils spray out over the top of the drink. If done properly, you can see an oily film floating on the surface of your co*cktail. The aroma should hit your nose as you sip. Discard the peel.
Expert Tips
- Mostwhiskey co*cktails should be stirred rather than shaken, this prevents over-dilution and the introduction of too much oxygen.
- Place your glasses in the freezer to keep them chilled. This helps keep your drinks cooler for longer.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the lemon peel. This makes the task simple and ensures you don’t remove too much pith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sazerac with bourbon?
While rye whiskey is traditional, you may substitute bourbon if you prefer.
How different is the sazerac from the old fashioned?
The Sazerac is very similar to the Old Fashioned co*cktail, however the Sazerac has pronounced anise notes from the Peychaud bitters and Absinthe. The Sazerac is also served chilled without ice.
Does Absinthe make you hallucinate?
All absinthe in the United States is made “thujone free”, which is known to have psychoactive effects.
More Whiskey co*cktails
Brooklyn co*cktail Recipe
Scofflaw co*cktail Recipe
Improved Whiskey co*cktail Recipe
Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!
4.50 from 2 votes
Sazerac co*cktail Recipe
By: Shawn Williams
Servings: 1 co*cktail
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
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The official co*cktail of New Orleans. The Sazerac is made with rye, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, and lemon peel.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey, Sazerac Rye
- 1/4 ounce simple sugar
- 4 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 dash Angostura bitters
- Absinthe rinse
- Lemon peel
Instructions
Start with a chilled or frozen double old-fashioned glass. The sazerac is served straight up with no ice. A chilled glass will keep your drink cool for longer.To quickly chill a glass, fill it with ice and water and stir.
The sazerac starts with what’s called anabsinthe rinse.Pour a bar spoon of absinthe into your serving glass and twirl it around to coat the entire interior of the glass. Discard the rest or take a swig. The other option is to buy amini co*cktail spray bottleand mist the absinthe into the glass. This works well and doesn’t waste any absinthe.
Combine all remaining ingredients (except the lemon peel) in a mixing glass and vigorously stir with plenty of ice. Strain into the absinthe-coated glass.
Finish with oil of a lemon peel.Point the outer peel (non-pith side) outward facing the Sazerac and gently squeeze the edges so the oils spray out over the top of the drink. If done properly, you can see an oily film floating on the surface of your co*cktail. The aroma should hit your nose as you sip.
Notes
Mostwhiskey co*cktails should be stirred rather than shaken, this prevents over-dilution and the introduction of too much oxygen.
Place your glasses in the freezer to keep them chilled. This helps keep your drinks cooler for longer.
Use a vegetable peeler to peel the lemon peel. This makes the task simple and ensures you don’t remove too much pith.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 131kcalCarbohydrates: 9.5gSodium: 103mgSugar: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: co*cktail
Cuisine: American
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