New Orleans Cocktail Recipe

The New Orleans cocktail, also known as the Sazerac, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It was first created in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is considered one of the oldest American cocktails. The drink was originally made with cognac, but over time, rye whiskey became the more popular choice.

• The cocktail was named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac, which was its original main ingredient.
• The Sazerac was the signature drink of the Sazerac Coffee House, a popular New Orleans bar in the 1800s.
• In 2008, the Louisiana Legislature declared the Sazerac as the official cocktail of New Orleans.

The New Orleans cocktail is a complex and bold drink with a slightly sweet, spicy, and herbal taste. The rye whiskey provides a strong and warming base, while the absinthe adds a touch of anise flavor. The Peychaud's bitters contribute a unique, slightly bitter and fruity taste, and the sugar cube adds a hint of sweetness.

• The Sazerac is often served in an Old Fashioned glass, which is also sometimes called a 'rocks' glass.
• The use of a lemon peel as garnish is not only for aesthetics, but also to add a bright citrus aroma to the cocktail.
• The Sazerac is sometimes referred to as the 'ancestor of all cocktails' due to its long history and influence on other drinks.

1. Chill an Old Fashioned glass by filling it with ice and water. Set aside.
2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Peychaud's bitters.
3. Add the rye whiskey to the mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir well.
4. Discard the ice and water from the chilled Old Fashioned glass.
5. Add the absinthe to the glass, swirling it around to coat the inside of the glass. Discard any excess absinthe.
6. Strain the whiskey mixture into the prepared glass.
7. Express the lemon peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a good twist. Discard the peel or drop it into the drink as garnish.

• Always chill your glass before preparing the cocktail to keep the drink cold longer.
• When expressing the lemon peel, make sure to twist it directly over the glass to capture all the essential oils.
• For a different flavor profile, try using a different type of bitters.

Perfect Pairings for a New Orleans Cocktail

Appetizers:- Oysters on the half shell: The anise flavor of absinthe and the spice of the rye whiskey can complement the brininess of fresh oysters.- Cajun-spiced nuts: The sweet and spicy nuts will contrast nicely with the complexity of the cocktail.

Main Courses:- Andouille sausage and shrimp jambalaya: This rich and spicy dish will stand up to the strong flavors in the cocktail.- Blackened fish: The char on the fish will match the depth of the rye whiskey.

Desserts:- Bread pudding with a whiskey sauce: Desserts featuring whiskey will echo the base spirit in the drink.- Lemon tart: The brightness of lemon in the tart will pair well with the lemon peel in the cocktail.

• Bourbon can be used instead of rye whiskey for a sweeter taste.
• If you don't have absinthe, Pernod or another anise-flavored liqueur can be used.
• A simple syrup can be used in place of the sugar cube for easier mixing.

Sazerac Twist: Bourbon Bonanza- Substitute the rye whiskey with bourbon for a smoother, sweeter twist.- Infuse the simple syrup with a cinnamon stick to add a warm note to the drink.**Recipe:**1. Swap the rye whiskey with 2 oz of bourbon.2. Muddle the cinnamon-infused simple syrup with the Peychaud's bitters instead of the sugar cube.3. Follow steps 3 through 7 from the original recipe.The result will have a rounder sweetness and a comforting cinnamon spice that pairs beautifully with the anise of the absinthe, perfect for a winter evening in New Orleans.

Nola Green Fairy: Cucumber Refresh- Add muddled cucumber for a refreshing take on this classic.- Replace the lemon peel with a thin cucumber slice for garnish.**Recipe:**1. Muddle 3-4 thin slices of cucumber with the sugar cube and Peychaud's bitters.2. Proceed with steps 3 through 7 from the original recipe, adding the cucumber slices instead of the lemon peel.This version will transport you to a breezy garden in the French Quarter, with a cooling and crisp cucumber essence melding seamlessly with the cocktail's traditional flavors.

Creole Coffee Charm- Introduce coffee liqueur for a caffeinated kick.- Garnish with a lemon twist and a few coffee beans for an aromatic treat.**Recipe:**1. Add 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur to the mix.2. Keep everything else the same but drop a few coffee beans into the glass as part of the garnish.This concoction brings the buzz of a New Orleans coffee house straight to your glass, blending the city's love for coffee with its iconic cocktail, giving you both pep and poise in every sip.