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USA · Drinks

The Classic Sazerac Cocktail

5 min
160 kcal
1 serving

By eatmundo · July 8, 2026

The Classic Sazerac Cocktail🇺🇸Gtandersson · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

1 match

This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Mixed drink85 recipes from 12 countries

Hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, the Sazerac is a truly iconic American cocktail, known for its powerful rye whiskey base, delicate absinthe rinse, and a unique blend of bitters. It's a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink, offering a complex symphony of spicy, herbal, and citrus notes in every sip.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to The Classic Sazerac Cocktail from another cuisine is Mastiha Liqueur (Greece): the two share 44% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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1 serving

How to Make It

  • 1

    Prepare Your Glass: Start by chilling an Old Fashioned glass or a similar rock glass. You can place it in the freezer for at least 5 minutes, or fill it with ice and let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients. A truly cold glass is key for this elegant cocktail.

  • 2

    Rinse with Absinthe: If you chilled the Old Fashioned glass with ice, discard the ice and any melted water first. Pour 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of absinthe directly into the chilled Old Fashioned glass. Swirl it around the inside of the glass to coat the entire surface, then discard any excess. The goal is just a delicate aroma, not a dominant flavor.

  • 3

    Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: In the mixing glass, place 1 sugar cube and add 3 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters and 1 dash of Angostura Bitters. Muddle them together gently until the sugar cube is mostly dissolved and saturated with the bitters, forming a paste.

  • 4

    Add Whiskey and Ice: Pour 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) of rye whiskey into the mixing glass. Add a generous amount of fresh ice to the glass, making sure it's filled close to the top.

  • 5

    Stir to Chill and Dilute: Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 30-45 seconds. You'll want to achieve a proper chill and dilution—the drink should feel significantly cold to the touch and a small amount of water will have melted into the spirit.

  • 6

    Strain and Garnish: Strain the chilled cocktail into your prepared absinthe-rinsed Old Fashioned glass, ensuring no ice from the mixing glass enters the serving glass. Express the oils from a small lemon peel (about 1-inch) over the drink by twisting it, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in, or discarding it for a cleaner look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sazerac?

The Sazerac is a cocktail originating from New Orleans, consisting of rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's and Angostura bitters, and an absinthe rinse. It is traditionally served in a chilled rocks glass as an after-dinner or evening drink.

What kind of rye whiskey should I use for a Sazerac?

A good quality, high-rye rye whiskey is crucial for the Sazerac. Look for brands with a bold, spicy character that can stand up to the bitters and absinthe.

Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?

Yes, you can substitute 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of simple syrup for the sugar cube. While muddling a sugar cube is traditional, simple syrup offers a quicker, more consistent dissolve.

What if I don't have absinthe?

While absinthe provides the iconic aroma, you can substitute other anise-flavored liqueurs like pastis or Pernod. Just be sure to use a very small amount for the rinse, as their flavors can be quite strong.

Is the Sazerac served with ice?

Traditionally, the Sazerac is served without ice in the chilled, absinthe-rinsed glass, after being stirred with ice to chill and dilute it.

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