I am back from holiday but I have gotten into the swing blogging yet. The vacation to New Orleans was fabulous but I did come back with a nasty cold too. I promise I will have pics soon and tell you all about it.
I did find the energy however to recreate a fabulous cocktail we enjoyed while there. One thing NOLA is know for, besides food and beads, it’s cocktails. From industrial daiquiri machines to a Vieux-Carré or a Hurricane, there is a drink that will fit your bill. The number one cocktail my friend and I wanted to try was the Sazerac, which just so happened to be proclaimed New Orleans’ official cocktail in 2008.
This cocktail dates back to the 1850s when a certain gentleman who owned a bar also went into the imported liquor business, particularly with a brand of cognac named Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils. The Sazerac cocktail was created by mixing the cognac and the bitters being made down the street by a Creole apothecary, Antoine Amedie Peychaud. There are 2 bitters used in the cocktail today: Angostura bitters and Peychaud’s Bitters which are noted for having a lighter body, sweeter taste and more floral aroma. It’s truly a must to any visit to New Orleans.
Peychaud’s Bitters is but one of the essential components of the Sazerac cocktail. The others are using two chilled Old Fashioned glasses: one is swirled with a light wash of absinthe and the second is used to mix the rest of ingredients. Today the Sazerac is made usually with rye whiskey but I had my new Bourbon on hand so I used it as a substitute. I used half the sugar normally suggested as I found it too sweet, for me 1/2 tsp was enough.
Sazerac Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 2-3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 1 short dash Angostura bitters
- 1/2 teaspoon absinthe
- Strip of lemon peel
- ice
Instructions
- Chill an Old-Fashioned glass with ice inside.
- In a second Old-Fashioned glass, muddle sugar with a few drops of water. Add several small ice cubes, the rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters and the Angostura bitters. Stir well.
- Remove ice from chilled Old-Fashioned glass and swish around the absinthe until its inside is thoroughly coated, pouring off the excess.
- Strain cocktail mix into chilled Old-Fashioned glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
And I have a feeling the restaurants dilute by leaving all the ice to melt instead of straining it because my recipe was way more potent and barely filled the bottom of my glass. FYI the Old Fashioned glass is a short tumbler with a wide brim and a a thick base, and is used for serving an alcohol with ice cubes. These glasses usually contain 6–8 US fl oz. I do not have this specific type of glass but my smaller kitchen glasses is close enough.
So CHEERS for now until I am recovered from my cold. I am sure I will find interesting remedies at the Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert (Eat Healthy and Live Green Expo) I am attending this weekend. If you are in Montreal March 21-23 2014 you should definitely check it out. Lots of free samples!
After a couple of these, it’s party time. 🙂
I am sure this cocktail will kick your cold away! Have fun at the exhibition!
Sorry about the cold Evelyne…the drink sounds and looks good…
Feel better soon 😀
I so wanted to go to Mardis Gras, perhaps I can appease the soul with this…. =)
Glad you had a great trip to NO!!! Sorry about the cold. That’s a bummer. I definitely need to go get the ingredients to make this drink. I’ve heard of it but have never had it before. I love the ingredients. Gotta have it!
I really need one of these right now! Looks so good!
Hope you are feeling better Evelyne. Sounds like you had a great time as the cocktail looks fabulous!
Sorry about bringing home a cold! Hope you enjoyed NO…I kind of think you did since you brought back a gorgeous cocktail to share with us all!
I miss you too, Ev – a lot. Thank you so much for your sweet and kind sentiment *hug*. I’m so sorry you have a cold, but look forward to hearing about your trip to NOLA and seeing photos! Although not much of a drinker (lightweight) I think I could use a couple of this cocktail right now. It looks and sounds wonderfully numbing lol.
Though I am not a cocktail drinker, this does sound like a lovely drink with rye whiskey.
Get well soon, Evelyne.
G’day! Never heard of this cocktail Evelyne but sense one could not drink too many without effects! 🙂
Cheers! Joanne
Ooh I had one of these on our recent trip to New Orleans! Snap! 😀
Looks like a lovely way to relax after a long week! Get well soon!
Sounds fabulous, Evelyne! Could be a good cure too. Hope you get well soon…:) ela