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A Sazerac in a clear glass on a counter.
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Sazerac Recipe

For the New Orleans' take on a classic whiskey cocktail, try this Sazerac Recipe. It's made with rye whiskey, simple syrup, Peychaud's bitters, and a swirl of absinthe.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 170kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon absinthe (see note 1)
  • 2 ounces rye whiskey (1/4 cup, see note 2)
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup (see note 3)
  • 1/8 teaspoon Peychaud's bitters (see note 4)
  • 1 2-3 inch piece lemon peel strip, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a chilled Old Fashioned glass, coat the inside of the glass by swirling with absinthe (discard any excess). Set aside.
  • To a mixing glass, add rye whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters. Fill mixing glass three-quarters of the way full with ice. Using a bar spoon, stir until mixture is fully combined and well chilled, about 30 seconds.
  • Strain into prepared glass. Pinch the lemon peel over the drink, rub the rim of the glass with the peel, and garnish with a lemon peel.

Notes

  1. Absinthe: A highly-alcoholic anise-flavored spirit.
  2. Whiskey: For the most authentic cocktail, choose Sazerac brand rye whiskey. Or, substitute Cognac (preferably Sazerac brand) or another brandy.
  3. Simple syrup: To make it yourself, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved (do not boil). Remove from heat and cool before adding 1 tablespoon (or more to taste) to your cocktail shaker with the other ingredients. Store leftover simple syrup covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
  4. Bitters: Seek out Peychaud's bitters (a Sazerac brand) if possible. Angostura brand have a heavier flavor but will also work.
  5. Yield: This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
  6. Glassware: The Sazerac is traditionally made in an Old Fashioned glass, a 6-ounce to 10-ounce glass tumbler. Similar to a rocks glass or lowball glass, the Old Fashioned glass is decorated in the cut glass style.
  7. Big batch: Sazeracs are best prepared one cocktail at a time.
  8. Zazarack: Made with bourbon instead of rye whiskey (bourbon is sweeter in flavor and its mash must be made from at least 51% corn).

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktail | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg