Sazerac
Whiskey · Rocks
America's oldest known cocktail, created in 1850s New Orleans by Aaron Bird at the Sazerac Coffee House. Originally made with Sazerac-de-Forge cognac and Peychaud's bitters.
| Glass | Rocks |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 40% |
| Category | classic |
| Flavor | spirit-forward, aromatic, historic |
Ingredients
- Rye Whiskey2 oz
- Sugar Cube1 cube
- Peychaud's Bitters2-3 dashes
- Absintherinse
- Lemon Peel1 twist
Method
- Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe, discard excess
- In mixing glass, muddle 1 sugar cube with 2-3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- Add 2 oz rye whiskey (originally cognac)
- Stir with ice until well chilled
- Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass (no ice)
- Express lemon peel over drink and discard peel
- Serve neat
Pro Tips
- 1850s New Orleans classic — rye (originally cognac), sugar cube, Peychaud's, absinthe rinse.
- The rinse is CRUCIAL — coat the glass, then dump the excess. Not optional.
- New Orleans trademarked the name; this is officially the city's cocktail.