Sazerac Cocktail Recipe – What makes it special is not that Sazerac Cocktail is a drink, but the fact that it is a part of history in a glass. The Sazerac can be considered as one of the oldest known cocktails in America, having been born in the hearts of New Orleans in the early 1800s. It is smooth, spirit-forward, and it is very tasty, so it is one of the favorite drinks among lovers and purists.
The Sazerac is made using cognac but adapted to be made with rye whiskey as a substitute because it was readily available. It is characterized by the characteristic way of preparation, muddling of a sugar cube with a dropper of bitters, cold rye whiskey, as well as a rinse of absinthe in a lowball glass. The end product is a full-flavored, aromatic cocktail, complex and full-bodied.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 3 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: American / New Orleans
Course: Drinks / Cocktails
Servings: 1
Calories: ~150 kcal
Equipment Needed
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Old-fashioned (rocks) glass
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Mixing glass
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Bar spoon
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Jigger
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Muddler (optional for sugar cube)
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Strainer (if using a mixing glass)
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Dropper or spray bottle (optional for absinthe rinse)
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Lighter or match (optional for citrus oil expression)
Ingredients
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2 oz rye whiskey (high-quality, such as Sazerac Rye or Rittenhouse)
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1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup as an alternative)
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2 to 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (essential for authenticity)
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Absinthe (for rinsing the glass)
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Ice (large cubes preferred)
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Lemon peel (for garnish)
Instructions
The first step is to cool your glass.
and commence by putting your old-fashioned glass in the freezer or icing it with ice and water. This will prevent the last cocktail cold and refreshing.
Step 2: Get the Mixing Glass ready
Drop the sugar cube into a mixing glass and pour over it Peychaud bitters. With a muddler or a bar spoon, mash and dissolve the sugar. This move serves to make the delicately sweet and fragrant foundation of the drink.
Hint: You might want to use simple syrup as a sugar cube substitute, in which case, stir the simple syrup into the bitters.
Step 3:Pop in the Whiskey
Add 2 oz rye whiskey. With the sugar and bitters, stir the drink 20 to 30 seconds, so it will cool and get diluted.
Step 4: Wash the serving Glass with Absinthe
Pour out ice and water into your cold glass. Place a small amount of absinthe (around 1/4 tsp) and swing around to make the inner part to have a coating of absinthe. Spill over the surplus. This provides the drink with the distinctive herbal smell but without overwhelming the whiskey.
Tip: Try applying an atomizer or a dropper to rinse more specifically.
Step 5: Straining and serving
The mixture is mixed in a mixing glass, strained into an old-fashioned glass which has been rinsed with absinthe. No ice is to be added here-this cocktail is served traditionally as neat in an ice-filled glass.
Step 6: Decorate
Use a lemon peel by pinching juice over the drink or directly on the glass containing liquid to be able to fill the glass with oil. Scrub the peel around the edge and toss it (or keep it cleaner by dumping it).
Nutrion
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 1mg |
| Alcohol (ABV) | ~28% |
The Sazerac Recipe Tips
- The boldest flavor should be created with the high-proof rye whiskey. One can use Bourbon, but rye is traditional.
- Peychaud’s bitters are necessary. Don’t use Angostura as an exchange.
- Do not miss the absinthe rinse. It adds the distinct licorice-rewarding scent to the Sazerac.
- Serve neat in a chilled glass without ice to an undiluted smooth taste.
- The lemon zest brings lightness with the herbal notes compensating the absinthe and bitters.
Final Thoughts
The Sazerac Cocktail Recipe is the embodiment of New Orleans charm—elegant, bold, and deeply rooted in history. It’s not just a cocktail, it’s an experience. Whether you’re sipping it slowly after dinner or offering it to impress guests at your next gathering, the Sazerac delivers timeless appeal in every glass.
By following this authentic recipe and using the right ingredients, you’ll master one of the most iconic drinks in the world. So go ahead, channel your inner bartender, and enjoy a taste of the Big Easy—one sip at a time.
