The Classic Sazerac Recipe is so tasty and has so much character. It brings together Rye Whiskey and Absinthe in a New Orleans drink mainstay that is so darn delicious.
After looking at the history of the Sazerac and looking at the elements of the cocktail, I think it is time to make the best Sazerac recipe we can. This New Orleans classic is really a simple drink to make, but it the ingredients can also become quickly unbalanced. With just a little patience and the right ingredients, you to can make a great cocktail with this Sazerac recipe.
The Devil Is In The Details in A Great Sazerac Recipe
In our elements post, we covered the ingredients we are going to use. Here we are going to refer to that post, as well as make some cocktail construction tips.
We will be constructing this in two Old Fashioned Glasses. One is used for chilling and an absinthe wash, while the other is used to construct the bulk of the drink. Like the Old Fashioned, we are going to use our own sugar cube recipe. A person can use simple syrup or plain sugar, as well.
We also use an absinthe wash. Very little absinthe is actually used in the cocktail, but not much is needed. It is very high in alcohol and the anise flavors can be very strong. In the chilling glass, just a small splash will be used to rinse the inside and then the rest will be discarded.
This simple, classic Sazerac recipe is a winner and respects the heritage of the classic cocktail. Thanks for reading and please make sure to follow me on Pinterest and sign up to receive Ramshackle Pantry posts via email.
The Best Sazerac Recipe
How to make the best classic Sazerac cocktail. Celebrate New Orleans culture with this cocktail and drink an awesome drink tonight!
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 Minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Ingredients
- 2 Old Fashioned Glasses
- Ice
- Water
- 1 Sugar Cube (SEE NOTES)
- 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 Oz Rye Whiskey (I use Sazerac Rye)
- Splash of Absinthe
- Lemon Peel
Instructions
- Fill one Old Fashioned Glass with Ice and cold water
- In the other glass, place sugar cube at the bottom
- Add 4 dashes of bitters and just a splash of water
- Muddle until mixed
- Add ice to same glass
- Add whiskey
- Empty the glass filled with ice water
- Add the splash of absinthe and swirl around to try and coat inside of glass
- Dump any remaining absinthe
- Using mixing spoon, stir whiskey concoction for about 10 seconds
- Strain whiskey concoction into empty glass
- Express lemon peel into cocktail, wipe edges with peel and add as garnish
- Enjoy
24 Comments
Jacqueline Piper | PiperCooks
February 12, 2018 at 3:50 pmNice looking cocktail, who doesn’t like a shot of whiskey? Also, gotta say, cool idea making sugar cubes!
Ben
February 12, 2018 at 4:17 pmMaking the sugar cubes is fun, easy, and makes muddling feel a little bit cooler.
Jenna
February 12, 2018 at 4:13 pmI’ve never even heard of this drink until you posted about it. Learn something new every day.
Jordan
February 12, 2018 at 5:10 pmLOVE a good sazerac. We’ve never tried making them at home… maybe Valentine’s Day dinner is the perfect excuse!
Amanda
February 12, 2018 at 8:39 pmWe always love a good New Orleans Sazerac. What an interesting twist to make your own sugar cubes. How fun!
Kiki Johnson
February 13, 2018 at 11:47 amI have never heard of this drink but I do like all the ingredients. Definitely worth a try. Can’t wait for the weekend
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
February 14, 2018 at 12:06 pmI’m bookmarking this!! My husband and I loved ordering this back when we lived in New Orleans. It’s hard to find a good recipe and this one looks great! 🙂
Elena
February 15, 2018 at 4:53 amThis cocktail looks like my husband will love it! Worth to try on the weekend!
TaraTeaspoon
February 15, 2018 at 1:00 pmBeautiful and simple recipe, just how I like it ! Looks like a good drink for entertaining.
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
February 17, 2018 at 7:37 amI’ve never had a sazerac before, but I do love whiskey so will be trying this out!
Jenni LeBaron
February 17, 2018 at 6:08 pmYum, the fella and I both love a good Sazerac. Thanks for sharing such an awesome classic!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
February 18, 2018 at 1:02 pmI’ve never heard of that cocktail although in my historical reading days I read quite a bit about absinthe. This is one cocktail I’ll have to try — we love trying new drinks along with our good wine.
Stacey
February 18, 2018 at 10:32 pmWhy have I not ever had this before?!? That is about to change!
Amy Nash
February 19, 2018 at 12:19 pmSuch an interesting cocktail and I love that you can make your own sugar cubes!
Touching on the Music and Spirit of New Orleans - Ramshackle Pantry
February 22, 2018 at 10:00 am[…] my list is super small, I hope that next time you go to your home bar to make your best Sazerac, you have a nice little list of New Orleans inspired artists and songs to help you on your cocktail […]
Finishing up our Sazerac Deep Dive - Ramshackle Pantry
February 26, 2018 at 10:39 am[…] The Best Sazerac Recipe […]
Exploring the Sazerac Cocktail - Ramshackle Pantry
February 26, 2018 at 10:54 am[…] The Best Sazerac Recipe […]
Taylor W.
November 1, 2018 at 8:35 amLooks great! Love the sugar cube idea. My husband would love this!
★★★★★
Jill
November 1, 2018 at 8:47 amI haven’t heard of this drink either! But I’m sure I’d like it – as I like Rye (Angel’s Envy is my fav).
★★★★★
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites
November 1, 2018 at 9:02 amI haven’t heard of this brand of Whiskey but will have to give it a try – my fiance won’t mind me asking him to stop at the liquor store – haha!
Jennifer | SavorwithJennifer
November 1, 2018 at 9:10 amI have never heard of this one, but it sounds right up my alley and totally delish! I can always use a new cocktail and my repertoire.;)
Traci
November 1, 2018 at 9:57 amOh, never had sazerac and I do like an occasional, rye whiskey cocktail. Getting this one on the list. Thanks Ben!
★★★★★
Brian
March 21, 2020 at 12:44 pmWell put together, but I must opine that Old Overholt is the rye whiskey of choice for the Sazerac! None-the-;less, Sazerac rye is also good, and well marketed particularly by the recently opened Sazarac House on the corner of Canal St. & Decatur (Magazine). Thanks for the article!
★★★★★
Ben
March 21, 2020 at 2:04 pmThanks for the visit and comment!