Sazerac: A 19th Century Popular American Cocktail To Revive Your Senses

Sazerac is a famous cocktail from New Orleans that is considered a local variation of a cognac or a whiskey cocktail ideally blended by pouring down cognac, absinthe with a dash of Peychaud's bitters. This cocktail got its peculiar name from a brand of cognac brandy that serves as the primary ingredient used in the making. Sazerac is claimed to be of the oldest American cocktails traced to have originated during the tough times of pre-civil war in New Orleans. Sazerac is one of the cocktails with a rich history, and there are multiple theories as to how it was invented and by whom. Sazerac was also among those cocktails that made notable mention in William Brooothy’s book, ‘Worlds drink and how to mix them’.  

Blending a sazerac follows quite a unique method, unlike many other popular cocktails from all over the world. First, you need to have two glasses in both your hands; rinse one with absinthe and another with the mix of remaining ingredients. Then, the second glass is strained into the first, which lets one experience a better combination of flavours and scents. With a single sip, you will find yourself wholly indulged in the bittersweet taste, but it indeed gives it an ideal balance of sweet and sour to tickle your tastebuds with engaging flavours. Here’s the recipe. 

Ingredients-

  • 40ml cognac
  • 20ml absinthe
  • One sugar cube
  • Two dashes of Peychaud's bitters ( if available)

Steps in the making-

  • Take two old fashioned glasses filled with ice cubes. 
  • Rise the first glass with a wash of absinthe.
  • Take the second glass and fill it with the remaining ingredients. Drop a sugar cube in the glass and stir well.
  • Strain this mix of ingredients into the first glass. 
  • Lastly, garnish with a lemon wheel by placing it on the rim of the glass.
  • Tada! Sazerac is ready to relish!