Sazerac

When it comes to cities that know how to party, there’s no place quite like New Orleans. So it doesn’t come as a shock that the oldest known American cocktail is also the official cocktail of NOLA. The Sazerac was created in the late 1800s, like all cocktails, for medicinal purposes. It was originally made with Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils Cognac, which is where it got its name. The modern day use of Rye whiskey was established following a Cognac shortage due to France’s grape crop destruction in the 1870s. In addition to Rye, this drink calls for Absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, Agnostura bitters, and sugar.

Like its city’s nickname, this cocktail has big flavor, but goes down easy.

Recipe:

2 oz. Rye whiskey

Absinthe

Peychaud’s bitters

Agnostura bitters

Sugar

Rinse a cocktail glass with Absinthe and throw out the excess liquid. Muddle sugar with the Peychaud’s and Agnostura bitters in a separate glass. Add Rye and stir with ice until chilled. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel. Enchoi.