The Sazerac is a bold, complex classic cocktail from New Orleans that highlights the deep spice of rye whiskey, the sweetness of Peychaud’s bitters, and a fragrant rinse of absinthe. In the French Quarter, the rye whiskey is substituted with cognac.
- 2 oz cognac or rye whiskey
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 1/4 oz Absinthe or Herbsaint (for rinse)
- lemon peel
- Chill a lowball glass.
- In a mixing glass, add the simple syrup, bitters, and cognac or rye whiskey.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and diluted.
- Pour or spray absinthe into chilled lowball glass, swirl it around to completely coat the interior, and dump out the excess liquid.
- Strain from the mixing glass into the lowball glass.
- Twist a lemon peel over the surface to express the oils, wipe the rim with it, and discard the peel.