Some drinks just hit different—and the Sazerac? That’s one of ’em. This isn’t just another cocktail, it’s a whole vibe straight outta New Orleans. One sip and you’re basically on a front porch in the French Quarter, jazz floating by, humidity doing its thing, and time slowing down in the best way.
This cocktail is named after the cognac on which this cocktail is originally based. This one’s for the folks who don’t mind a little bite in their glass. Rye whiskey leads the charge, absinthe whispers in the background (just enough to make things interesting), and a sugar cube smooths it all out. Then you’ve got those bitters diving in with a little mystery, and that lemon twist? It’s not just garnish—it’s the handshake that seals the deal.
The Sazerac Cocktail’s bold, a little old-school, but never boring. Perfect for when you want to feel fancy without trying too hard.
The Timeless Sazerac Cocktail

The Sazerac cocktail is a robust and aromatic drink featuring spicy rye whiskey, a hint of sweetness from sugar, and a subtle anise flavor from absinthe. Each sip is a delightful journey through layers of flavor, making it a true classic among cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey (or Cognac)
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 1/4 oz Absinthe or Absinthe substitute (pastis for example)
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Start by chilling an Old Fashioned glass by filling it with ice water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters together. Add the rye whiskey and fill the mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled.
- Rinse the Glass: Discard the ice water from the chilled Old Fashioned glass and add the absinthe. Swirl it around to coat the inside of the glass, then discard the excess.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass. Express the lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish.
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 262 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
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If you enjoyed this Sazerac cocktail you may wish to try an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.
Sazerac Cocktail
Looking for a cocktail that’s rich, bold, and unforgettable? This Sazerac cocktail delivers sophistication with every sip.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Rye Whiskey (or Cognac)
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 7 ml Absinthe or Absinthe substitute (Pastis for example)
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Start by chilling an Old Fashioned glass by filling it with ice water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters together. Add the rye whiskey and fill the mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled.
- Rinse the Glass: Discard the ice water from the chilled Old Fashioned glass and add the absinthe. Swirl it around to coat the inside of the glass, then discard the excess.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass. Express the lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.
