Sazerac

A New Orleans classic with whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's bitters, and an absinthe rinse.

IBA ClassicClassicWhiskeyStrongStirredSpirit Forward
A brilliant amber Sazerac cocktail served neat in a chilled rocks glass, accented beautifully with an expressed lemon peel discarded inside.
Difficulty Advanced
Glass Rocks glass
Ice Stir with ice; serve neat in a rinsed glass
Tools Mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Rye whiskey or bourbon Rye is traditional, bourbon works.
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup Sugar Simple syrup is easier at home.
  • 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters This is the signature bitters for a Sazerac.
  • Rinse Absinthe Use a tiny amount to coat the glass, then discard the extra.

How to make it

  1. Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
  2. Add whiskey, sugar or simple syrup, and Peychaud's bitters to a mixing glass.
  3. Add ice and stir until cold.
  4. Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
  5. Garnish with lemon peel if you have it.

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