Name: The Sazerac
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Rye Whiskey; 0.5 oz Simple Syrup; 3 Dashes Aromatic Bitters; 0.25 oz Absinthe; Ice; Lemon Peel, for garnish

Everything You Need to Know About the Sazerac

The Sazerac holds the distinction of being the official cocktail of New Orleans, evolving from an 1830s medicinal tonic created by apothecary Antoine Peychaud. Originally crafted with cognac, the recipe shifted toward rye whiskey in the late 19th century due to the phylloxera epidemic’s impact on French brandy production. Our version balances the spicy grain of rye with simple syrup and aromatic bitters. The drink’s complexity is defined by the "wash"—an aromatic coating of Absinthe applied to a chilled glass.

The Sazerac

Prep Time5 min

Yield1 Cocktail

Base SpiritRye Whiskey, Absinthe

Ingredients

2 oz Rye Whiskey
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
3 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
0.25 oz Absinthe
Ice
Lemon Peel, for garnish

Making A Sazerac At Home Is Easier Than You Think

Instructions

Add rye whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir to blend but be careful not to dilute.
Add a small amount of absinthe to a chilled rocks glass. Swirl to coat, and discard excess.
Strain the whiskey mix into the prepared glass.
Express lemon peel over the drink with a twist, then drop it in as a garnish.

Pro Tip

To achieve the perfect balance, ensure the absinthe rinse is just enough to coat the glass, imparting its unique flavor without overpowering the drink. Precision is key.

The Sazerac Riff

This remix looks to the past by swapping out rye for cognac. Until the 20th century, the drink was usually made with cognac and actually derives its name from Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils cognac.

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Making A Sazerac At Home Is Easier Than You Think

Everything You Need to Know About the Sazerac