The list of Sazerac cocktail ingredients is relatively simple. First, you need to use the right base spirit for a Sazerac. Rye whiskey, with its bold, dry, and spicy notes, brings an unmistakable flavor to the cocktail. However, traditionally the drink has been made using cognac. Some recipes feature a split base spirit, using half cognac and half rye whiskey for a balanced approach, pairing the spiciness of the rye with the sweeter notes of cognac. It’s worth noting that whichever style of spirit you choose, the alcohol level will vary depending on the brand you select.
The signature flavor of the cocktail comes from the Creole-style bitters.These bitters are intensely aromatic, with a red hue, and a flavor profile featuring notes of anise, dried fruits, and warm spices such as cinnamon and clove. Considered an essential component of a New Orleans Sazerac, you can adjust the amount in your recipe to taste. Now you know the essential list of what’s in a Sazerac cocktail, you can experiment with the flavors and ingredients depending on your preferences.
Though it may seem unimportant, the absinthe rinse of the glasses gives the Sazerac its distinctive aroma. Make sure you don’t skip this step and ensure the glasses have been slightly chilled before swirling with the spirit. This cocktail is served neat, so chilling the glass will help to keep the drink cool while you’re enjoying it.
For more popular cocktails to shake or stir at home, take a look at our selection of 20 of the top drinks from around the world. If you’re planning a dinner party for friends and family, learn how to pair cocktails with food, featuring the best drinks to taste alongside dishes from seafood to pasta.
The History of the Sazerac Cocktail
As with many cocktails, the history of the Sazerac is a mixture of fact and legend. What is known, however, is that it has its roots in early 19th-century New Orleans and is often tipped as America’s first cocktail. A local pharmacist, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, created his own version of bitters using brandy, sugar, and water and these bitters became central to the making of a Sazerac.
At a similar time, a local coffee house called Sazerac Coffee House began serving a drink made with Sazerac de Forge et Fils cognac, which became so associated with the drink it gave the cocktail its name. During the late 1800s, Europe was hit by an epidemic which devastated grape crops making cognac scarce and expensive. Thomas Handy, manager of the Sazerac Coffee House during this time, switched cognac to rye whiskey in the drink. This gave rise to the modern version of the cocktail we know today as the official cocktail of New Orleans.
Intended for ages 21+. Please drink responsibly.
