This history of The Sazerac cocktail originated in New Orleans during the mid 19th Century. Traditionally a cognac-based cocktail, The Sazerac was created at the Merchant’s Exchange Coffee house during the 1850’s, which was later named Sazerac Coffee House some years later. The original version of this cocktail was simply Cognac, sugar, and Peychaud’s Bitters, which were very popular at the time and were created by a local apothecary, Antoine Peychaud. It was New Orleans’ answer to the Old-Fashioned, and quickly became a favorite amongst the community, and is still the most famous Old-Fashioned variation to this day.
The name Sazerac comes from a popular Cognac that was being served throughout New Orleans at the time, Sazerac-du-forge et Fils from Limoges, France. About 10 years after the creation of the Sazerac, Cognac sales took a huge dive due to phylloxera epidemic that was plaguing Europe. Since Cognac became hard to come by, the switch to Rye Whiskey became commonplace as it was the most popular spirit during the Pre-Prohibition era. In the 1870’s, the addition of absinthe was introduced to The Sazerac by bartender Leon Lamothe, and thus solidified the recipe that is used and enjoyed today by its many followers.
Our take on this beloved cocktail features Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño in place of Cognac, which creates a very complex, yet low ABV rendition of this pre-prohibition classic.
COCKTAIL: SAZERAC WITH OLOROSO
Full Ingredients list
- 2oz Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño
- .25oz Simple Syrup
- .25oz Absinthe
- 3 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHAT SHERRY IS BEST FOR A SHERRY SAZERAC COCKTAIL?
We believe oloroso sherry works best in a sazerac due to its rich, aromatic character and aging process, which substitutes Cognac very nicely. With an intense flavor and deep texture, the oloroso has enough structure to cut through the sugar, absinthe, and bitters.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A SAZERAC WITH OLOROSO?
HOW TO PREPARE A SAZERAC WITH OLOROSO SHERRY AT HOME
1. Add or spray the Absinthe to a chilled rocks glass
2.Add remaining ingredients to a mixing glass
3. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for 30 seconds
4. Swirl the Absinthe around in the rocks glass to coat the inside of the glass, and discard any remaining Absinthe leftover
5. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled, Absinthe-rinsed rocks glass
6. Express the lemon twist over the cocktail and discard the peel
FAQ
What’s the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Sazerac?
An Old-Fashioned is traditionally made with Whiskey and is served over ice in an old-fashioned glass. A Sazerac is made with Cognac and is served dressed down in an old-fashioned glass
Who invented the Sazerac cocktail?
Although the inventor of the Sazerac is unknown, the recipe that is used today was created by bartender Leon Lamothe in New Orleans, Louisiana.
When was the sazerac cocktail invented?
The recipe that is used today was solidified sometime in the 1870’s.
What glass is best to serve a sazerac in?
A Sazerac is traditionally served in an Old-Fashioned glass.
