Sazerac: 4 Ingredients & 5 Alternatives + Recipe

Diana Barkley (Senior Editor)

The Sazerac cocktail is a beloved drink that is both timeless and extremely delicious. This beverage is a fan favorite in cocktail bars – and for very good reason. We’ll take you through the history, ingredients, and recipe of this phenomenal drink.

Have you ever ordered a Sazerac cocktail? If not, why not try one out next time you order a drink? This drink has extraordinarily strong flavors and is a common order at cocktail bars all over the world.

The beloved beverage is rich in both taste and history alike and is a favorite of many cocktail fans.

Today, we’ll be taking a deep dive into everything you need to know about this iconic drink. From common variations to the best food pairings, we’ve got all of the facts surrounding the Sazerac. Let’s go ahead and jump right into it.

Introduction to Sazerac

Introduction to Sazerac

First things first: what is a Sazerac? The Sazerac is a variation of a standard cognac or whiskey cocktail that is local to New Orleans. This drink has both a strong flavor and scent due to the rather unique way that it is prepared.

This cocktail is typically created using two chilled glasses. The first glass is generally swirled with a splash of absinthe so that it absorbs some of its strong flavor and scent. Then, the ingredients are mixed in a second glass with ice to be strained into the first glass.

This method of preparation makes the Sazerac cocktail very aromatic and gives the drink subtle hints of absinthe. This ensures that the flavor profile is not too overpowering, keeping it well-balanced.

Some will claim that the Sazerac is the oldest known American cocktail, and while this is often disputed, it is still a title that has stuck with the drink in many circles. This may contribute to the sheer popularity of this drink.

You can find a Sazerac cocktail on the menu at many cocktail bars and pubs. This cocktail is a common choice as an after-dinner drink, as this is the way that the Sazerac was traditionally served.

That being said, the dark liquor that is used when making a Sazerac cocktail also means that this drink pairs well with a variety of rich foods (which we will take a closer look at later) — meaning that this cocktail is a common order at restaurants to drink alongside the food.

What Sazerac Is

What Sazerac Is

So, what exactly is Sazerac? How did it truly become the iconic American cocktail that it is today? Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the key facts surrounding this beloved drink:

Brief History / Origin

Brief History / Origin

Around 1850, Sewell T. Taylor, the owner of Merchants Exchange Coffee House, sold his coffee shop and began importing spirits. One of these spirits being Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils.

This set off a chain reaction that potentially resulted in the creation of an iconic cocktail. At the same time that Taylor was beginning to import spirits, Aaron Bird purchased Merchants coffee house — changing the name to Sazerac Coffee House.

He then began experimenting with creating recipes and drinks, with some of these drinks being cocktails.

It is said that Aaron Bird began serving something called the ‘Sazerac Cocktail’ using the spirits that Sewell Taylor imported, along with bitters that he procured from a local apothecary.

The Sazerac cocktail was born, it became a favorite of the locals, and the rest is history. While there is a fair amount of debate regarding this story (as there is with any historical event that is not well-documented) this is often accepted as the true origin of the Sazerac cocktail.

The Sazerac cocktail recipe has changed significantly over time. This drink once contained a base of cognac, but this was substituted with rye whiskey after the American Civil War when cognac became hard to source.

This change seems to have stuck, and most Sazerac cocktails these days are made using the rye whiskey recipe. That being said, many establishments may still make their Sazerac cocktails using cognac; it depends entirely on the bartender.

Ingredients

Ingredients

What goes into making a Sazerac cocktail? How does the iconic drink acquire its impeccable flavor? Let’s go ahead and break down the key ingredients of this drink and the role that they play in the flavor profile of this cocktail.

Rye Whiskey (Previously Cognac)

Rye Whiskey (Previously Cognac)

This liquor acts as the base of the cocktail. The rye in the whiskey gives it a naturally spicy kick. This is what gives the Sazerac its strong, dry taste. As mentioned, cognac may sometimes take the place of rye whiskey, as it was the base that this drink was originally made with.

Absinthe

Absinthe

The next ingredient is absinthe, which adds a little bit of sweetness and fragrance to the drink, as well as that subtle taste of black licorice. This is swirled in the glass before the other ingredients in the Sazerac are poured into it.

One Sugar Cube

One Sugar Cube

For an extra hit of sweetness, a sugar cube is traditionally added to this drink. This helps to balance out the bitter notes of the cocktail. The sugar is muddled together with a few splashes of water in a mixing glass before the other ingredients are added.

Peychaud’s Bitters

Peychaud’s Bitters

Peychaud’s bitters are known for being a more delicate form of bitters, with a lighter profile. These bitters are full of complex flavors, with the two most prominent being anise and cherry.

Best Rye Whiskey Brands for Sazerac

Best Rye Whiskey Brands for Sazerac

If you plan on making a Sazerac cocktail at home, you may be asking yourself one question: what is the best brand of rye whiskey to use in this drink?

From Bulleit Rye to WhistlePig, they all bring different notes to a Sazerac. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the four best rye whiskey brands that we recommend for this cocktail:

1. Bulleit Rye: This rye whiskey has an exceptionally smooth taste, with notes of vanilla and honey. There is also a subtle spice to this rye whiskey that balances out the sweetness wonderfully, making it a great choice for your Sazerac.
2. Rittenhouse Rye: Rittenhouse Rye has a sweet and herbal taste to it at first, which then mellows out into a slightly bitter and roasted flavor. The notes of honey balance out the bitter notes of your Sazerac, while the notes of licorice compliment the absinthe incredibly well.
3. Sazerac Rye: One great option when it comes to rye whiskeys that work well in a Sazerac cocktail is, of course, a Sazerac Rye. This rye whiskey has a very smooth finish and notes of licorice that complement the absinthe. You will also notice hints of spice and citrus in this rye whiskey.
4. WhistlePig Rye: This is a much sweeter rye whiskey, with notes of vanilla and caramel. WhistlePig Rye also has notes of spice and mint, making it very well-balanced. This rye whiskey is a great choice when making a Sazerac cocktail as it provides a sweet balance to the spicier notes.

Recipe – How to Make a Sazerac

Recipe – How to Make a Sazerac

Considering trying your hand at making a Sazerac cocktail yourself? Not to worry – we’re here to help. We’ve got everything you need to know when it comes to whipping up your own Sazerac cocktail.

While we will be using rye whiskey in this recipe, you can always use cognac as a substitute, if you want to make this cocktail following its original recipe.

As mentioned earlier, there is something slightly unique about the way that a Sazerac cocktail is made. Let’s go ahead and take a look at how you can perfect this method and create this drink at home.

1. Pour a dash of absinthe into a cold glass, washing the inside of the glass with the liquid. Make sure that the glass is well coated, then discard any excess.
2. In a second mixing glass, stir together one sugar cube, ½ teaspoon of cold water, and 4 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. Use a spoon to ensure that these ingredients are muddled together.
3. Add 2 ½ ounces of rye whiskey and a handful of ice to the mixing glass. Stir together for around 30 seconds until the entire drink is well chilled.
4. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the iced glass that has been washed with absinthe.
5. Garnish with a lemon peel, after twisting the peel over the drink to express the oils of the peel.

Just like that, you’ve got the perfect Sazerac! Now sit back and enjoy your delicious, ice-cold cocktail.

Time & Occasions for Drinking a Sazerac

Time & Occasions for Drinking a Sazerac

A Sazerac cocktail is traditionally served after dinner. You don’t need to wait for any special occasion to drink a Sazerac – this drink can be served after dinner any time you please.

With that being said, since the Sazerac cocktail is so luxurious and rich in flavor, many people choose to save this drink for special occasions.

But don’t let this stop you from enjoying a Sazerac whenever you please. Many people also elect to serve this drink alongside dinner or other meals, as it pairs wonderfully with many different foods.

The dark and complex flavors in this drink mean that it can bring out intense flavors in rich foods.

Perfect Pairings

Perfect Pairings

The dark spirits that are present in the Sazerac cocktail (such as the absinthe) mean that this drink pairs wonderfully with gamey meats. You can pair a Sazerac cocktail with meals such as roast lamb or venison.

If you’re looking for a slightly lighter meal or snack to serve this drink with, you can’t go wrong with some smoked salmon and cream cheese. These rich flavors will also pair very well with this cocktail.

A charcuterie board is also a good pick when pairing food with a Sazerac cocktail. Dry, aged cheeses and salty meats will work well with this drink, as they pair nicely with the dark liquor. Smoky, grilled meats will also work well with the Sazerac’s flavor profile.

The spiciness of the whiskey will enhance the smokiness of the meat.

Basically, as a rule of thumb: the dark, complex flavors of the Sazerac pair perfectly with rich foods. Anything with strong tastes – whether it be smoky or sharp — is going to work wonderfully with this cocktail. Dont hesitate to experiment – you may just uncover something revolutionary.

Best Glass to Serve a Sazerac

Best Glass to Serve a Sazerac

A short, Old-Fashioned glass is the best glass to serve a Sazerac in. You also want to ensure that the glass you are serving this drink in is cold but does not contain ice.

This is because this cocktail is best served cold, but ice has already been used in the mixing glass and therefore is not required in the final serving glass. Since the Old-Fashioned glass is quite small, there is also simply no room for ice alongside the Sazerac cocktail.

You also want to make sure that you are serving the Sazerac cocktail in a glass that has been washed with absinthe.

This is an essential part of the drink and is what gives this cocktail its distinct flavor of black liquor and spice. The absinthe wash also leaves a strong scent on the glass, making this a very aromatic cocktail. This is one of the aspects of the Sazerac that makes it so unique and beloved.

Variations of Sazerac

Variations of Sazerac

Aside from the standard version of a Sazerac, there are also several variations of this cocktail out there. From Bananarac to La Tour Eiffel, there are multiple beverages with their own twist on a classic.

Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the most popular variations of this drink and how they differ from the original cocktail.

• Bananarac: This one is for all banana lovers out there. This variation of a Sazerac is made by Armagnac and banana liqueur to the base of the drink. Demerara syrup and aromatic bitters are then added to this drink, giving it a sweet, fruity flavor.
• Kanar Sazerac: A ‘Star Trek’ inspired variation of a Sazerac cocktail? Yes, it exists – and it is delicious. This variation is made with a base of cognac and Fernet-Branca amaro. Orange and Angostura bitters are then added, along with simple syrup and a salt rim.
• Pumpkin Sazerac: When winter rolls around, it may be time to try out a Pumpkin Sazerac cocktail. This variation of the drink uses real pumpkins to put a spin on the traditional Sazerac. This pumpkin flavor pairs remarkably well with the other flavors in the cocktail – definitely worth a try.
• La Tour Eiffel: This French spin on the Sazerac cocktail involves combining cognac, Cointreau, and Suze along with the classic absinthe and lemon. This results in a more intense, sharper version of the classic Sazerac.
• White Summer Sazerac: This is a slightly more complex variation of a Sazerac, but stay with us. The base of this drink is split four ways: moonshine, rye whiskey, brandy, and Italicus rosolio di bergamotto liqueur. The iconic absinthe wash of the glass is still included in this version, bringing all of the flavors together.
• Golden Sazerac: The name of this variation comes from a certain syrup that is used during its creation called Lyle’s golden syrup. While the other ingredients in the cocktail remain largely the same as the original, this syrup adds a subtle sweetness that alters the flavor profile of this drink.

Similar Cocktails You Will Enjoy

Similar Cocktails You Will Enjoy

Are you a Sazerac fan who is on the hunt for other cocktails that you may enjoy? Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of cocktails that are similar in taste to the Sazerac – let’s go ahead and check them out.

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned

This cocktail is incredibly similar to the Sazerac and contains many of the same ingredients and flavors. This drink is made by combining sugar and water, then adding whiskey and an orange garnish.

If you enjoy the taste of a Sazerac cocktail, chances are you will also be a fan of an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Manhattan

Manhattan

Another drink that is fairly similar to the Sazerac is the iconic Manhattan cocktail. This drink is made by combining whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Rye whiskey is the most common type used in this cocktail, giving it a taste that is very reminiscent of the Sazerac.

Boulevardier

Boulevardier

Not only does the Boulevardier have a similar taste to the Sazerac, but they are also very similar in appearance. This drink is made by combining whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

This cocktail originated in Paris and faded briefly into obscurity before making a grand comeback and is now a crowd favorite.

Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour

If you enjoy the taste of a Sazerac cocktail, chances are you will also enjoy the taste of a classic Whiskey Sour. This drink contains whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and occasionally a dash of egg white will be added. This frothy, well-balanced drink is bound to be a hit with Sazerac lovers.

Learn here more about the New York Sour.

Vieux Carré

Vieux Carré

Aside from a Sazerac, another cocktail that combines rye whiskey with Peychaud’s bitters is a Vieux Carré. Where this drink differs is with the addition of cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine.

If you’re looking for a drink that is similar to a Sazerac cocktail that packs a bit more of a punch, a Vieux Carré may be the way to go.

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