Bourbon Sazerac is a tasty twist on the classic drink! This alcoholic cocktail is a sophisticated slow drink.
Love a Sazerac but only have bourbon whiskey? Don’t worry: try it out Bourbon Sazerac! This slow, alcoholic drink is traditionally made from rye whiskey and brandy. But simplify it and make it with bourbon and it’s just as good! (In our opinion) Adding absinthe, sugar, and bitters to bourbon whiskey results in a sophisticated cocktail that’s both sublime and simple.
Ingredients in a Borubon Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail invented in New Orleans in the mid-19th century. It is made from cognac and/or rye whiskey, absinthe and Peychaud bitters. The name comes from the type of cognac with which it was originally made, Sazerac-de-Forge and Sons. Later, rye whiskey was used in place of cognac, and cocktails today use one or both.
Bourbon Sazerac simply replaces cognac or rye whiskey with bourbon, which adds slightly sweeter notes with a woody vanilla finish. Either way, it’s edgy and alcoholic: an easy way to make drinking bourbon more interesting (much like an Old Fashioned). What’s in a Bourbon Sazerac:
- Bourbon whiskey
- absinthe
- A piece of sugar
- The bitters of Peychaud
Types of Bourbon
Use your favorite bourbon for a Bourbon Sazerac! While you can use high-end craft and single-barrel bourbons, a mid-range blended bourbon works well here. Anything between $25-$35 for a 750ml bottle will work. Some brands that we recommend are:
- $: Elijah Craig small series
- $$: Four Roses Small Batch or Woodford Reserve
- $$$: Bourbon Bulleit 10 Years
Learn more about Peychaud bitters
A special ingredient you need for Bourbon Sazerac; Peychaud bitters! Peychaud bitters are the “secret” recipe originally used to make a Sazerac… and they’re still made today.
- The bitters of Peychaud are a type of cocktail bitters that taste a little sweeter than Angostura bitters, the most popular type of bitters you might already have on hand. The taste has hints of anise and mint.
- Can Angostura bitters be substituted in a Sazerac? Purists claim that Sazerac should be made with Peychaud bitters. But if you only have Angostura, you can use that as well.
How to Make a Bourbon Sazerac
Many bartenders prepare the Sazerac in a special way: with 2 chilled spherical glasses. After taste testing, we found that it’s not really necessary for the home bartender. While a purist insists, we found it just as good simply mixed with absinthe in a mixing glass. Here’s what to do:
- Mix all ingredients in a cocktail glass. Mash the sugar cube with the Peychaud bitters, then add the button and absinthe (see recipe below for specific amounts).
- Strain into a low ball glass and decorate. Typically Sazerac is served without ice as it is stirred (and already diluted with ice) in a mixing glass. Just add a squeeze of lemon and you have a Bourbon Sazerac!
More bourbon cocktails
do you like bourbon Here are some other great bourbon cocktails to try:
The description
Bourbon Sazerac is a tasty twist on the classic drink! This alcoholic cocktail is a sophisticated slow drink.
- 3–4 pulls Peychaud bitters
- 1 a lump of sugar
- 1 teaspoon absinthe
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) bourbon whisky
- lemon twist
- Place the sugar cubes in a mixing glass and brush with bitters. Muddle the sugar cube with a cocktail pestle or wooden spoon until almost dissolved. Add bourbon whiskey and absinthe and fill the mixing glass with a handful of ice cubes.
- Stir until cool. Strain the drink into a chilled low ball glass.
- Use a knife to remove a 1 inch wide strip of lemon zest. Squeeze the lemon zest into the drink to release the oils. Carefully run the zest around the rim of the glass, then place in the glass and serve.
- Category: drink
- Method: shakes
- Kitchen: cocktails
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: Bourbon Sazerac
