• Rye whiskey
  60 ml (2 oz)

  High-quality rye whiskey recommended
• Sugar cube
  1

  Or 0.25 oz simple syrup
• Peychaud's Bitters
  3 dashes

  Essential for authentic flavor
• Absinthe
  10 ml (0.25 oz)

  For rinsing the glass
• Cold water
  10 ml (0.25 oz)

  To help dissolve the sugar
• Lemon peel
  1

  For garnish

• Old fashioned glass
• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Muddler (optional for sugar cube)

1. 1

   Chill an old fashioned glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside.

2. 2

   In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Peychaud's Bitters and cold water until the sugar dissolves. (If using simple syrup, combine with bitters and water.)

3. 3

   Add the rye whiskey to the bitters-sugar mixture. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.

4. 4

   Discard the ice from the old fashioned glass. Add the absinthe to the glass and swirl to coat the interior, then pour out the excess absinthe.

5. 5

   Strain the chilled whiskey mixture into the prepared glass (neat, without ice).

6. 6

   Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to express its oils, then either drop it in as garnish or discard, depending on taste.

• Rich historical roots and a true taste of New Orleans culture.
• Complex, layered flavors that reward slow sipping.
• A ritualistic preparation that’s fun and satisfying to master.
• Perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and herbal notes.
• Ideal for whiskey lovers and adventurous cocktail aficionados.

The Sazerac is often hailed as America's first cocktail, born in New Orleans in the mid-19th century. Originally made with Cognac, the recipe evolved to use rye whiskey due to a phylloxera epidemic that affected French vineyards. The cocktail takes its name from the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brandy, and its preparation ritual—including the use of Peychaud’s Bitters and an absinthe rinse—has become legendary. Today, the Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans, embodying the city's unique blend of French sophistication and American innovation.