Barsys
Sazerac
About
The Sazerac cocktail is more than just a drink - it’s a piece of American cocktail history. Born in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, it started with brandy, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and a rinse of absinthe. Over time, rye whiskey stepped in for brandy, giving it a spicier backbone that matched the city’s vibrant personality.
This drink is strong, aromatic, and unapologetically spirit-forward. The absinthe rinse adds a subtle licorice note, the bitters bring a floral-spiced edge, and the sugar rounds out the intensity. It’s not for the faint of heart - it’s for those who like their cocktails confident and complex.
Shaken or Stirred? Technically stirred, but here we’re shaking lightly to help the sugar dissolve quickly before serving over ice.
What You'll Need
For one Sazerac cocktail:
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 7 ml absinthe
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 drops Peychaud’s bitters
Optional garnish: A bright orange twist, expressed over the drink for a citrusy lift.
Pro tip: Always chill your glass and rinse it with absinthe before adding the cocktail - this keeps the drink cold and evenly infused with absinthe aroma.
How to Make It
Prep time: 5 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate - simple build, but technique matters
- Fill an old fashioned glass with ice to chill.
- In a shaker, combine rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters. Add ice and shake lightly until the sugar dissolves.
- Discard the ice from your glass and rinse it with absinthe, swirling to coat the inside.
- Strain the cocktail into the absinthe-rinsed glass without ice.
- Garnish with an expressed orange twist.
Using Barsys?
For a cocktail as precise as the Sazerac, Barsys 360 cocktail maker ensures perfect pours every time. Load your rye whiskey and absinthe, let Barsys handle exact measures, and finish with bitters and sugar before stirring or shaking lightly.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
One extra splash of absinthe can overpower this drink - Barsys keeps it in perfect check so the balance of whiskey, bitters, and sugar shines through every time.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed on cool evenings or during reflective moments. A Sazerac isn’t about rushing - it’s about savoring.
Garnish Game
Go minimalist. An orange twist, expressed over the top, adds the perfect aromatic lift without distracting from the drink’s bold spirit.
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FAQs
What makes a Sazerac different from an Old Fashioned?
The absinthe rinse and Peychaud’s bitters make it distinct, giving it a more herbal and aromatic profile.
Can I use bourbon instead of rye?
Yes, but it will be sweeter and less spicy. Rye keeps it classic.
Do I have to use absinthe?
It’s a defining element, but you can swap in pastis or Herbsaint for a similar effect.
Should it be served with or without ice?
Traditionally without ice, but you can serve it over a single large cube if you prefer it slightly diluted over time.
Does Barsys work for this drink?
Absolutely. Just load rye and absinthe, set your ratios, and finish the build manually with sugar and bitters.