Sazerac cocktail recipes are truly the taste of New Orleans. It reflects the city’s jazz, history, and vibrant energy in every bold sip. This iconic drink, rich in flavor and tradition, is more than just a cocktail. It’s a glimpse into the soul of the Big Easy.
Whether you’re a fan of whiskey, prefer rye, or just appreciate a well-balanced classic, the Sazerac has something to offer.
Today I’m sharing 7 Sazerac cocktail recipes that honor this timeless drink. From the traditional method to bold, creative takes, each one brings the spirit of New Orleans straight to your glass.
1. The Classic Sazerac Cocktail Recipe
The original, the legend—this is how the Sazerac was meant to be enjoyed.
Ingredients:
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2 oz rye whiskey
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¼ oz absinthe (or Herbsaint)
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1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Lemon peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Chill an old-fashioned glass by filling it with ice, then discard the ice.
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In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with Peychaud’s bitters.
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Add rye whiskey and stir with ice until well-chilled.
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Rinse the chilled glass with absinthe, swirling to coat, then discard the excess.
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Strain the whiskey mixture into the glass.
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Express a lemon peel over the drink and garnish.
Look & Taste:
Deep amber in color with a subtle herbal aroma from the absinthe rinse. The first sip is spicy from the rye, sweet from the sugar, and slightly floral from the bitters. The lemon peel adds a bright citrus finish.
2. Cognac Sazerac (The Original 19th-Century Version)
Before rye took over, cognac was the star of the Sazerac cocktail recipe.
Ingredients:
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2 oz cognac
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¼ oz absinthe
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1 sugar cube
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Lemon peel
How to Make It:
Follow the same steps as the classic Sazerac, but replace rye with cognac.
Look & Taste:
Smooth, rich, and slightly fruity from the cognac, with a warm spice from the bitters. The absinthe adds a silky depth.
3. Smoked Sazerac
A modern twist with a smoky, mysterious edge.
Ingredients:
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2 oz smoked rye whiskey
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¼ oz absinthe
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½ oz maple syrup
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Orange peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Rinse a glass with absinthe and discard excess.
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Stir smoked rye, maple syrup, and bitters with ice.
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Strain into the glass and garnish with an orange peel.
Look & Taste:
Darker in color with a deep, woodsy aroma. The maple syrup adds a velvety sweetness, while the smoked rye brings a campfire-like richness.
4. Coffee-Infused Sazerac
For those who love a little caffeine kick.
Ingredients:
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2 oz coffee-infused rye whiskey (steep rye with coffee beans for 24 hours)
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¼ oz absinthe
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½ oz demerara syrup
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2 dashes chocolate bitters
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Coffee bean (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Absinthe-rinse a glass.
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Stir coffee-infused rye, demerara syrup, and chocolate bitters with ice.
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Strain and garnish with a coffee bean.
Look & Taste:
Dark and intense, with roasted coffee notes blending into the spice of the rye. The chocolate bitters add a dessert-like finish.
5. Spiced Honey Sazerac
A touch of warmth and sweetness.
Ingredients:
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2 oz rye whiskey
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¼ oz absinthe
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½ oz spiced honey syrup (honey + cinnamon + clove)
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Rinse glass with absinthe.
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Stir rye, spiced honey syrup, and bitters with ice.
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Strain and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Look & Taste:
Golden-hued with a fragrant spice. The honey smooths out the rye’s bite, while the cinnamon adds a cozy finish.
6. Lavender Sazerac
A floral, aromatic variation.
Ingredients:
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2 oz rye whiskey
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¼ oz lavender-infused absinthe
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½ oz lavender simple syrup
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Edible lavender (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Rinse glass with lavender absinthe.
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Stir rye, lavender syrup, and bitters with ice.
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Strain and garnish with lavender.
Look & Taste:
Elegant and perfumed, with a soft floral aroma. The lavender enhances the herbal notes of the absinthe.
7. The Vieux Carré Sazerac Hybrid
A mashup of two New Orleans classics.
Ingredients:
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1 oz rye whiskey
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1 oz cognac
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¼ oz Benedictine
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¼ oz absinthe
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Lemon twist
How to Make It:
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Rinse glass with absinthe.
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Stir rye, cognac, Benedictine, and bitters with ice.
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Strain and garnish with lemon.
Look & Taste:
Complex and luxurious, with herbal sweetness from Benedictine balancing the strength of rye and cognac.
Conclusion
There you have it—7 Sazerac cocktail recipes that bring the spirit of New Orleans straight to your glass. Whether you prefer the classic rye version, a smoky twist, or a floral lavender variation, each Sazerac cocktail recipe offers a unique taste of the Big Easy. So, shake up your routine, pour yourself a glass, and let the bold flavors transport you to Bourbon Street. Cheers to good drinks and even better vibes!
