The Sazerac is a timeless cocktail that blends bold flavors with a touch of history. Born in New Orleans, this iconic drink features rye whiskey, a hint of absinthe or absinthe substitute, a sugar cube, and a dash of Peychaud’s bitters. The result is a smooth, aromatic cocktail with complex flavors that are both strong and sophisticated—perfect for sipping slowly and savoring every drop.
Pair this classic drink with something sweet like Dark Chocolate and Soft Almond Sugar Cookies. The rich chocolate and nutty almond notes create a perfect contrast to the Sazerac’s boldness, making for an irresistible combination. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a gathering, this pairing elevates the experience.
The Sazerac is a drink that exudes history, elegance, and unforgettable flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for those who appreciate whiskey-based cocktails with a twist of herbal complexity.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Rich, Bold Flavor: Rye whiskey and absinthe come together for a complex, aromatic drink.
- A Touch of History: A classic cocktail that brings the charm of New Orleans to your glass.
- Sophisticated & Easy: A simple yet impressive cocktail to serve at your next gathering.
Add this cocktail to your repertoire and impress your guests with its elegance and depth of flavor!
Sazerac Recipe
Equipment
- Rocks glass
- Mixing glass
- Muddler
- Bar Spoon
- Strainer
- Lemon peeler
Ingredients
- Absinthe to rinse
- 1 sugar cube
- 1/2 teaspoon cold water
- 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
- Garnish: lemon peel
Instructions
- Prepare Glass: Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe and set aside.
- Muddle Ingredients: In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube, water, and bitters.
- Add Whiskey and Ice: Pour in rye whiskey, add ice, and stir for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve.
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 171 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 2.5 g |
Sugar | 2.5 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Alchohol | 29 g |
Tips that Will Surely Help!
- Use High-Quality Rye Whiskey: The rye whiskey is the backbone of this cocktail, so choose one with a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients. A good rye whiskey should offer a bit of spice and a smooth finish.
- Absinthe Rinse: When rinsing the glass with absinthe, do it lightly so it doesn’t overpower the drink. You want just enough of the absinthe’s herbal complexity to add depth without taking center stage.
- Bitters Balance: If you prefer a stronger herbal or anise flavor, consider adding a couple more dashes of Peychaud’s bitters or even Angostura bitters to balance the sweetness of the sugar cube.
- Chill Your Glass: To keep the drink cold without diluting it, chill the glass by adding ice before you prepare the drink, and discard the ice just before the absinthe rinse.
- Lemon Peel Garnish: When garnishing with lemon peel, give it a twist over the drink to release the citrus oils. This adds a fragrant, zesty touch that contrasts nicely with the strong flavors of the whiskey.
By following these steps, you’ll create a balanced and smooth Sazerac that brings out the complexity of rye whiskey with a subtle, aromatic finish. Enjoy this timeless cocktail!