Sazerac Recipe: A Rich, Whiskey-Infused Cocktail!

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)

The absinthe-rinsed rocks glass on the white marble cooktop is filled as the cocktail is strained in. A bright lemon twist rests on the rim, providing an inviting garnish ready for sipping.

  • 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!

The absinthe-rinsed rocks glass on the white marble cooktop is filled as the cocktail is strained in. A bright lemon twist rests on the rim, providing an inviting garnish ready for sipping.

Sazerac Recipe

The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail with a smooth, slightly sweet and aromatic profile. This drink combines rye whiskey, bitters, and a hint of absinthe, balanced by the bright citrus from a lemon twist, creating a refined and flavorful experience in each sip.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage, cocktail
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 171 kcal

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.
    A mixing glass on the white marble cooktop contains a sugar cube, a few drops of cold water, and dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. A muddler presses down gently, dissolving the sugar cube into a smooth, bitters-infused base.
  • Add Whiskey and Ice: Pour in rye whiskey, add ice, and stir for 15-20 seconds.
    Rye whiskey is poured over ice in the mixing glass on the white marble cooktop. A bar spoon stirs the mixture for 15-20 seconds, blending and chilling the ingredients.
  • Strain and Garnish: Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve.
    The absinthe-rinsed rocks glass on the white marble cooktop is filled as the cocktail is strained in. A bright lemon twist rests on the rim, providing an inviting garnish ready for sipping.

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories171 kcal
Carbohydrates2.5 g
Sugar2.5 g
Fat0 g
Protein0 g
Alchohol29 g

Tips that Will Surely Help!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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