Sazerac (cocktail)

Sazerac is a local New Orleans cocktail known for its strong and rich flavor. It is one of the oldest known cocktails in the United States, with its origins dating back to the pre-Civil War era. The Sazerac is traditionally a combination of cognac or rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's Bitters.

History

The Sazerac was first created in the 1850s by a Creole apothecary named Antoine Amédée Peychaud. Peychaud, who owned a pharmacy in the French Quarter of New Orleans, would often serve his customers a mixture of cognac and his proprietary bitters. This drink eventually became known as the Sazerac, named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac that was its original primary ingredient.

In 1873, the recipe for the Sazerac was altered. The drink's primary ingredient was changed from cognac to rye whiskey due to the phylloxera epidemic in Europe that devastated the vineyards of France. Additionally, a dash of absinthe was added to the recipe.

Preparation

The Sazerac is prepared by first chilling a rocks glass with crushed ice. The glass is then emptied and a wash of absinthe is added. In a separate mixing glass, a sugar cube is muddled with a few drops of water. Then, rye whiskey and Peychaud's Bitters are added to the mixing glass. The contents are stirred and then strained into the rocks glass. The drink is traditionally garnished with a lemon peel.

Cultural Significance

The Sazerac has become a staple of New Orleans culture and is often associated with the city's rich history and tradition. In 2008, the Louisiana Legislature proclaimed the Sazerac as New Orleans' official cocktail.

See Also

• List of cocktails
• Cocktails with whiskey
• Cocktails with absinthe
• Cocktails with bitters