Sazerac
Experience the timeless elegance of the Sazerac, a classic cocktail that marries the boldness of bourbon with the aromatic complexity of Peychaud bitters and a hint of anise from absinthe. Finished with a twist of lemon peel, this drink is a sophisticated sip that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
Ingredients
- •1 tsp Ricard
- •1/2 tsp superfine Sugar
- •2 dashes Peychaud bitters
- •1 tsp Water
- •2 oz Bourbon
- •1 twist of Lemon peel
Instructions
- 1
Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with the absinthe, add crushed ice, and set it aside
- 2
Stir the remaining ingredients over ice and set it aside
- 3
Discard the ice and any excess absinthe from the prepared glass, and strain the drink into the glass
- 4
Add the lemon peel for garnish.
Pro Tip
“For an authentic Sazerac experience, use a chilled glass and don't skip the absinthe rinse—it adds a subtle anise flavor that elevates the drink. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, try using rye whiskey instead of bourbon.”
The Story Behind the Sazerac
The Sazerac cocktail traces its roots back to the vibrant city of New Orleans in the 19th century. Originally crafted with cognac, it evolved to feature rye whiskey as its base spirit, becoming a staple in the city's cocktail culture. The drink is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac, and its unique blend of flavors has made it a timeless classic.
What Pairs Well
Food Pairings
- 🍽️Oysters Rockefeller
The briny, rich flavors of Oysters Rockefeller complement the bold, spicy notes of the Sazerac perfectly.
- 🍽️Beef Wellington
The savory, buttery layers of Beef Wellington enhance the sweet and spicy profile of the Sazerac.
- 🍽️Bananas Foster
The caramelized sweetness of Bananas Foster pairs beautifully with the aromatic complexity of the Sazerac.
Perfect For
- Jazz night at home
The Sazerac's New Orleans roots make it the perfect companion for a night filled with smooth jazz tunes.
- Celebrating a promotion
Toast to success with a sophisticated Sazerac, a drink that embodies achievement and elegance.
- Poker night
The strong, bold flavors of the Sazerac are a great match for the intensity of a high-stakes poker game.
- Rainy Sunday afternoon
Cozy up with a Sazerac and let its warmth and spice brighten a gloomy day.
Fun Facts
- ✨
The Sazerac is one of the oldest known cocktails in America, with its origins dating back to the 1830s.
- ✨
Peychaud's Bitters, a key ingredient in the Sazerac, were created by Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a Creole apothecary in New Orleans.
- ✨
The Sazerac was declared the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008, cementing its cultural significance in the city.
Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!