If you’re reading up on Sazerac cocktail ingredients, we’d like to welcome you to one of the oldest chapters in cocktail history. The Sazerac cocktail is one of the first mixed drinks, and it’s where cocktail making really started to take off. So follow us on a jaunt down this iconic memory lane, if you please…
Sazerac Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside as you prepare the rest of the cocktail
02
2.
Soak the sugar cube with the bitters and muddle it in a mixing glass, crushing the cube
03
3.
Add the Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey and stir
04
4.
Take the ice out of your chilled glass and rinse it with a small amount of absinthe – swirl the liquor around and then discard
05
5.
Pour the Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey mixture into the chilled, absinthe-rinsed glass
06
6.
Squeeze the lemon twist gently over the drink to release its oils. Then, use it as a garnish on the rim of the glass or set it aside. Most people don’t drop it in the drink
History of the Sazerac – the world’s oldest cocktail
The story goes that the recipe for the Sazerac cocktail is one of the oldest known mixed drink recipe in the world. According to mixologist lore, we have New Orleans apothecary, Antoine Peychaud, to thank for what would become one of the world’s most popular whiskey cocktails.
He was the inventor of Peychaud’s Bitters, which he originally mixed with cognac to create a signature drink that evolved into the Sazerac. The Sazerac Coffee House (AKA saloon) in New Orleans picked up on the theme and started serving this drink under its name, marking it as one of the first named cocktails.
By the 1890s, rye whiskey became the go-to liquor of choice in a recipe for the Sazerac cocktail, and in the 1980s, anise liqueur was substituted for absinthe, which was banned in the United States until 2007.
What is the flavour of a Sazerac rye whiskey cocktail?
When learning to make a Sazerac, the first thing to know is that it’s all about celebrating rye whiskey. This beautifully balanced drink uses the sweetness of the sugar and the complex notes of the bitters to build the cocktail and show off the character of the rye, so it’s essential to choose a good one. We love Wild Turkey Rye with its vanilla and spice notes, spicy citrus aroma, and long, supple finish.
What’s the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Sazerac?
The Old Fashioned and Sazerac cocktails have a lot in common, but there are clear differences. An Old Fashioned is an example of a much-loved bourbon Christmas cocktail garnished with an orange twist, whereas a Sazerac is made with rye whiskey and garnished with lemon.
Where did the name Sazerac come from?
The Sazerac cocktail’s name has a fascinating origin tied to a French brandy called Sazerac de Forge et Fils, which was originally used in the cocktail’s early versions. When rye whiskey replaced cognac as the base spirit, the drink retained the Sazerac name, becoming synonymous with the unique blend of bitters, sugar, and absinthe rinse that we enjoy today. This name also became associated with the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans, solidifying its place in cocktail history.
Also see: What to Mix with Bourbon: Classic & Unique Mixers to Try
Can I substitute the absinthe in a Sazerac?
Absolutely! While traditionalists might argue that absinthe is an essential component, some bartenders and home mixologists prefer using Herbsaint, an anise-flavoured liqueur, or even Pernod, which offers a similar licorice-like flavour profile. If you’re not a fan of anise, try a lighter rinse with absinthe or skip it altogether for a slightly different take on the classic. The key is to experiment and find the balance that suits your taste.
Read next: Types of Whiskey (An Easy & Concise Guide)
More drinks to try if you love a Sazerac
If you enjoy the robust flavours of a Sazerac, you’ll likely appreciate these cocktails that also celebrate bold spirits and unique flavour profiles:
- Vieux Carré. Another New Orleans classic, combining rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters.
- Manhattan. A sophisticated mix of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Boulevardier. A rich and bitter-sweet blend of bourbon (or rye), Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Mint Julep. A refreshing bourbon-based drink, perfect for fans of whiskey cocktails, especially during warmer months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sazerac is a type of rye whiskey. However, the Sazerac cocktail was originally made with cognac, which was later substituted with rye whiskey when it became hard to come by in the United States. The bar where the Sazerac was first served was called by this name, and the bartender who bought it later started a liquor company by the same name, under which he made, bottled, and distributed the Sazerac rye whiskey that is famous today.
Much like other famous rye whiskeys like Wild Turkey Rye, Sazerac is made using a variety of grains, including approximately 51% rye, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley.
The well-balanced Sazerac cocktail uses the sweetness of the sugar and the complex notes of the bitters to build the cocktail and show off the character of the rye, so it's essential to choose a good one. We love Wild Turkey Rye with its vanilla and spice notes, spicy citrus aroma, and long, supple finish.
We have New Orleans apothecary Antoine Peychaud to thank for what would become one of the world’s most popular whiskey cocktails. He was the inventor of Peychaud's Bitters, which he mixed with cognac to create a signature 'toddy' - the name for cocktails at the time. The Sazerac Coffee House (AKA saloon) in New Orleans picked up on the theme, and started serving it under this name. This is how the first named cocktail came to be.
A Sazerac traditionally consists of rye whiskey, a sugar cube, Peychaud's Bitters, and an absinthe rinse. It's garnished with a lemon twist, which adds a hint of citrus aroma without overpowering the drink's core flavours.
The absinthe rinse adds a subtle anise flavour and a touch of complexity to the cocktail. It's a key element that distinguishes the Sazerac from other whiskey-based drinks. By coating the glass with absinthe, you get just enough of its bold character without it being too overpowering.
Yes, you can use bourbon, but the flavour profile will be different. Rye whiskey gives the Sazerac its characteristic spice and dryness, while bourbon will add more sweetness and a fuller body. It's worth trying both to see which version you prefer!
