Sazerac recipe
Cognac, a sugar cube and Peychaud’s bitters, stirred and strained into an absinthe-rinsed Old Fashioned glass, garnished with lemon zest.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 5 ingredients
- Old Fashioned glass
Can I use whiskey instead of Cognac?
Yes, you can!
In fact, this original recipe was changed after the American Civil War to use rye whiskey instead of Cognac. This is because Cognac became too hard to obtain, and rye whiskey was in good supply.
What Ingredients do you need to make a Sazerac?
Cognac
Cognac is a variety of Brandy.
It’s named after Cognac, France and certain production methods are required to make sure the Brandy may be named Cognac.
These production methods include:
- Ugni blanc grapes must be used.
- The Brandy must be twice distilled in copper stills.
- The Brandy must be aged at least 2 years in Oak barrels.
Only then can it be called Cognac. Wowzers.
And even then, there are grades of Cognac:
- V.S. (Very Special) or 3 stars. This means that the Brandy has been aged for at least 2 years in a cask.
- V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve. This is where the Brandy has been aged for at least 4 years in a cask.
- Napoléon. This is where the Brandy is aged at least 6 years.
- XO (Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged at least 10 years.
- XXO (Extra Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged for at least 14 years.
- Hors d’âge (Beyond Age). This is where the Brandy is beyond the official age scales.
I mean, that’s some grading list. I’d wager by the end of that list you’d need to be a millionaire to sample those Cognacs.
ANYWAY… the Cognac we recommend is:
What Equipment do you need to make a Sazerac?
Old Fashioned Glass
Old Fashioned Glasses give a cocktail a classic, retro, yet elegant look.
If you’re making an old school cocktail, then this is the glass you absolutely need.
For Old Fashioned Glasses, we recommend:
Mixing Glass
If you have a cocktail recipe that calls for the mix to be stirred, rather than shaken, then a Mixing Glass is the way to go.
Why? Because it’s easier to stir and pour the mix, by design. Also, it’s cooler.
For a Mixing Glass, we recommend:
Jigger
It’s important to get the mix of any cocktail right. The measurements are set for a reason – to specify a tried, tested, and tasty drink.
A jigger is going to help you get those perfect measurements – after all, it is what the pros use.
For a jigger, we recommend:
Bar Spoon
Bar Spoons are great for cocktails you’re supposed to stir, rather than shake in a cocktail shaker.
Sure, you can probably use any spoon to stir your drink but these bar spoons are the real deal. It’s the proper equipment to get the job right.
- They’re long enough to get to the bottom of any cocktail to allow you to properly stir.
- They have a twist spiral design that allows for a better grip.
- They’re made out of stainless steel, so they’re durable, corrosion resistant, and easy to clean.
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Recipe card
Sazerac
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Old Fashioned glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Chill an Old Fashioned glass.
- Rinse it with the absinthe, then add crushed ice to the glass.
- Add ice to a mixing glass.
- Use a jigger to measure out the Cognac into the mixing glass.
- Add the sugar cube and the dashes of Peychaud’s bitters.
- Stir with a bar spoon until the sugar has dissolved and the mix is well chilled.
- Discard the crushed ice and absinthe from the Old Fashioned glass, and strain in the contents of the mixing glass.
- Garnish with lemon zest.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of classic cocktails.
Sazerac FAQs
Can I use whiskey instead of Cognac?
Yes. In fact, rye whiskey was used for this recipe for a long time when Cognac was not available.
What Ingredients do you need to make a Sazerac?
To make a Sazerac, you need 50ml / 1.7oz Cognac, 10ml / 0.3oz absinthe, 1 sugar cube and 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters, plus lemon zest to garnish. There’s more about cognac above.
What Equipment do you need to make a Sazerac?
You’ll need an Old Fashioned glass, a mixing glass, a jigger and a bar spoon.
What alcohol is in a Sazerac?
A Sazerac contains 50ml / 1.7oz Cognac and 10ml / 0.3oz absinthe.
Is a Sazerac shaken or stirred?
A Sazerac is stirred, not shaken. Stir it with ice in a mixing glass, then strain it into an Old Fashioned glass.
What glass is a Sazerac served in?
Serve a Sazerac in an Old Fashioned glass.
How do you garnish a Sazerac?
Garnish a Sazerac with lemon zest.
How do I make a Sazerac for a group?
The recipe makes one drink. Multiply every measure by the number of drinks you want: for 4, you’d need 200ml Cognac, 40ml absinthe, 4 sugar cubes and 8 dashes Peychaud’s bitters.
