Indulge in this simple Bourbon Sazerac recipe! Crafted with bourbon, absinthe, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and a twist of lemon, this bold & heartwarming cocktail is ideal for fall.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
174
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- ⅓ oz rich sugar syrup
- 3 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
- 2-3 barspoons of absinthe - to rinse the glass
- Lemon peel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Mixing Glass
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
- Cocktail Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Pour 2-3 barspoons of absinthe into the Old Fashioned glass. Swirl to coat the inside of the glass and fill with crushed ice. Set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Pour 3 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Sugar: Measure and pour ⅓ oz rich sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) into the mixing glass..
- Add Bourbon: Finally, add 2 ounces of Bourbon to the mix.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take your Old Fashioned glass and discard the crushed ice. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the drink into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist: express the lemon zest on top of the drink to release the oils and then discard it.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon on hand, rye whiskey is a traditional substitute that works well in this cocktail. It gives the drink a spicier edge compared to bourbon's sweet, full-bodied flavor.
- Peychaud's Bitters: Angostura bitters can be used as a substitute, but remember that it will significantly alter the flavor profile. Peychaud's has a lighter, floral, and anise-like flavor, while Angostura is more robust and spicy.
- Absinthe: Pernod or another pastis can rinse the glass if you're out of absinthe. These anise-flavored spirits will give a similar aromatic quality to the cocktail.
Making a Pitcher of Bourbon Sazerac:
- Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of bourbon, 4 oz of sugar syrup, and 16 dashes of Peychaud's bitters.
- Mix: Pour the bourbon, the bitters and the sugar syrup in a large pitcher. Add some ice and stir well.
- Serve: Rinse each Old Fashioned glass with absinthe, strain the mixture into the glasses, garnish with a lemon peel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; several on the market mimic the sweet, full-bodied flavor of bourbon.
- Peychaud's Bitters Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bitter or make a simple syrup infused with anise and a touch of bitterness from grapefruit juice.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Just ensure that the sugar you're using is vegan (some sugars are processed using bone char).What is a Bourbon Sazerac?
A Bourbon Sazerac is a whiskey-based cocktail made of bourbon, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud’s Bitters. This classic New Orleans drink is considered a variant of the traditional Sazerac, which initially used cognac as its leading spirit.
The Bourbon Sazerac is relatively easy to make but requires specific ingredients and careful attention to detail. The process involves stirring the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and then rinsing the glass with absinthe before straining the cocktail into it.
What is a Bourbon Sazerac made of – The ingredients
If you want to mix up a Bourbon Sazerac, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Bourbon Whiskey: The bourbon cocktail’s base spirit gives the Sazerac its robust and full-bodied flavor.
- Absinthe: Used to rinse the glass, it imparts a subtle anise flavor that complements the bourbon.
- Sugar: Adds a sweetness to balance out the intense flavors of the other ingredients.
- Peychaud’s Bitters: A key ingredient in a Sazerac, these bitters add complexity and depth with their unique blend of spices and botanicals.
- Lemon Peel: Used as a garnish, it adds a hint of citrus aroma, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
