(Did we mention itsstrong?)

Learn how to make a Sazerac, and enjoy a taste of The Big Easy wherever you are.

Anold fashionedcontains bourbon, whereas the sazerac uses rye whiskey.

Southern Living Sazerac in glasses to serve

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Why Is Sazerac Served Without Ice?

A sazerac is served without ice in a rocks glass to prevent the ice diluting the drink.

Its a strong, no-nonsense cocktail, and thats the point.

Southern Living Sazerac ingredients

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The sugar cube helps to balance the rye with a little sweetness.

Add 12 ounces of rye whiskey, 3/4 cup cold water, and a tablespoon of absinthe.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Southern Living Sazerac in a glass ready to serve

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This batch recipe serves six.

This recipe also cuts the amount of absinthe in half since it doesnt call for rinsing each glass.

)sugar cube

1/2tsp.coldwater

2 to4dashesPeychaud’sbitters(about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp.)

Southern Living Sazerac coating the glass with absinthe

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ice

1/4 cup (2oz.

)rye whiskey

Lemon peel(1 [1- x 4-in.]

Discard any excess absinthe.

Southern Living Sazerac muddling the sugar cube

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Chill whiskey:

Fill mixing glass with ice.

Add whiskey; stir until well chilled, about 15 seconds.

Strain cocktail into prepared rocks glass.

Southern Living Sazerac straining the cocktail into the glass

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Add lemon peel:

Gently squeeze lemon peel to express oils over cocktail.

Place peel in glass, and serve immediately.

Southern Living Sazerac in the glass with a lemon peel to serve

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle