Thoughts of New Orleans may conjure up images of haphazardly tossed beads, general debauchery and enormous Hurricane cocktails. But for a true taste of New Orleans, you need to try a Sazerac. The Sazerac recipe predates the Civil War and is often referred to as America’s oldest cocktail (although that remains up for debate).
Psst… Looking for more vintage cocktail recipes? Try one of these classic after-dinner drinks.
What is a Sazerac?
In the middle of the 19th century, Antoine Peychaud began selling his homemade bitters in an apothecary in the French Quarter. Both revered for its “agreeable taste” and restorative powers, Peychaud’s Bitters became a popular commodity. The Sazerac Coffee House, a nearby drinking establishment, combined Peychaud’s Bitters with cognac, and the Sazerac cocktail was born.
What’s in a Sazerac?
A modern-day Sazerac combines a sugar cube doused with Peychaud’s bitters, a good pour of rye whiskey and a hint of absinthe. It packs a punch, and as such, is meant to be sipped.
How to Make a Sazerac
This Sazerac recipe makes one cocktail.
Ingredients
1 sugar cube
1-1/2 ounces rye whiskey
1/4 ounce absinthe
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Lemon peel, for garnish
Editor’s Tip: Learn how to make a lemon peel garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep your glass
Chill an old-fashioned glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the main ingredients
Place the sugar cube in a second old-fashioned glass. Soak the sugar cube with the Peychaud’s Bitters, then crush the sugar cube. Fill the glass with ice. Add the rye whiskey and stir to combine.
Step 3: Rinse the serving glass with absinthe
Remove the serving glass from the freezer. Add the absinthe and gently turn to coat the glass, discarding any excess.
Step 4: Strain and garnish
Strain the whiskey mixture into the serving glass and garnish with the lemon peel. Serve immediately.
Step 5: Laissez les bons temps rouler!
As they say in New Orleans, let the good times roll!
Pair your Sazerac with a New Orleans-themed dinner. This collection of Big Easy-inspired recipes is a great place to start.
Our Favorite Recipes from Louisiana
Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Take a look at these indulgent Fat Tuesday recipes.
These sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. New Orleans’ traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
I found this recipe years ago and substituted Cajun stewed tomatoes for a bolder taste. Now I prepare this dish for out-of-state guests who want to taste some Cajun food. Everyone who tries it gives it high marks. Plus, it’s easy to prepare. —Sue Fontenot, Kinder, Louisiana
Cornbread is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This version is an old favorite, and it really tastes wonderful. I found the recipe in the bottom of my recipe drawer. —Enid Hebert, Lafayette, Louisiana
I don’t believe my mom ever used a recipe for her tamale pie, but I came up with this version that tastes very much like the one she used to make. It’s been popular at our church gatherings and faculty luncheons…and my kids love it!
-Waldine Guillott, DeQuincy, Louisiana
Round out your Mardi Gras celebration with a King Cake—a colorful ring-shaped pastry drizzled with green, gold and purple icing. This stunning cake has become the gala holiday’s signature dessert.—Alice LeJeune, Ville Platte, Louisiana
I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It’s a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
This is an easy dish to prepare and is a perfect addition to that special holiday meal. The topping is flavorful and gives a nice contrast of textures. —Pam Holloway, Marion, Louisiana
Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped dish that I adapted from a friend’s recipe. I added a little of this and that until it tasted the way I wanted. Not only do my husband and kids like it, I get rave reviews when I make it for company or church functions. —Bobbie Soileau, Opelousas, Louisiana
My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Fresh summer vegetables are paired with lean pork and tasty Greek olives for a healthy and quick dinner that’s great for family or friends. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
I’ve been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste fabulous—and keep me satisfied. This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor it’s easy to forget it’s good for you! —Charlotte Cravins, Opelousas, Louisiana
These muffins are perfect for anyone who loves caramel apples. They are particularly good with breakfast or during a coffee break. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana
This dish is a variation on a creamy southern Louisiana corn stew. The bold flavor of andouille sausage blends beautifully with the shrimp and subtle spices. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
This treat is one of my husband’s favorites. I’ve been making these bars for many years, and we still can’t get enough. I never mind making this recipe—it’s about as easy as baking can be! —Judy Taylor, Shreveport, Louisiana
Don’t let the number of ingredients in this recipe scare you; I’ll bet you have most of them in your pantry already. The sauce is what makes this dish so special. It’s hard not to like ketchup, brown sugar and a little butter drizzled over tender beef brisket. —Jane Guilbeau, New Orleans, Louisiana
Tender sweet potatoes match up with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve it with salad and have an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
To surprise my banana-loving family, I made this dessert for a reunion, where it stood out among the usual fare. These special treats are something to look at and mouthwateringly delicious. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
I adapted this easy, elegant main dish from a recipe my mother-in-law cooked for our family. Cayenne lends a bit of heat to its rich, creamy sauce. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Now that I’ve retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can’t be topped—once people taste it, they won’t go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. —Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana
A real Southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year’s Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
These tarts are very good for parties and special occasions. You’ll probably want to double the recipe, because they’ll disappear in a hurry! —Joy Corie, Ruston, Louisiana
I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
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