Classics Series: Sazerac

The Sazerac is New Orlean’s official cocktail and is one of the oldest known American cocktails. Made with just a few ingredients, this drink is very liquor forward, with a strong licorice fragrance from the absinthe rinse. I used regular sugar for my recipe, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of sugar with 1 sugar cube and crush with a couple of drops of bitters.

Sazerac Recipe (1 serving)

• 2 oz. rye whiskey
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. absinthe (only used to coat the glass)
• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters & 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 lemon peel for garnish

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Old fashioned glass, stored in the freezer

Directions

1. Pour 1 teaspoon of absinthe into the serving glass and turn the glass until the inside is fully coated. Discard any leftover liquid
2. Add the sugar and bitters to the container and stir until the sugar is dissolved
3. Add the bitters and a handful of ice
4. Stir until the outside of the container is frosted, about 30 seconds
5. Strain the liquid into the serving glass using the Hawthorn strainer
6. To garnish, cut a piece of lemon peel, rub the outer peel along the rim of the glass, and drop into the glass

Cheers!