Bold, herbal, and unapologetically old-school—the Sazerac Cocktail is one of America's earliest cocktails, dating back to 19th-century New Orleans. Built on rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a rinse of absinthe, this drink delivers power and elegance in a small glass. In LA, it's the drink of choice for those who appreciate the classics with a sharp edge.
Whether you're running a pop-up jazz bar in Silver Lake or hosting a luxury dinner in Hancock Park, the Sazerac sets the tone for sophistication.
Ingredients The Sazerac Cocktail (One Serving)
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey (or Cognac, for historical accuracy)
- 1 Sugar Cube or ½ tsp Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
- Absinthe (for glass rinse)
- Garnish: Lemon peel (expressed, not dropped in)
- Old Fashioned glass (no ice in the final pour)
LA Local Tip: Peychaud's Bitters and quality rye whiskey can be found at Highland Park Bowl's Spirits Corner or Everson Royce in Pasadena. Looking for LA edge? Use AMASS's botanical spirits for a hybrid take or smoke the rinse for a next-gen touch.
How to Make the Sazerac with LA Precision
1. Chill the glass.
Freeze your Old Fashioned glass or fill it with ice water while you build the cocktail.
- Prepare the absinthe rinse.
Add a few drops of absinthe into the chilled glass, swirl to coat, and discard the excess. - Muddle or mix the sugar and bitters.
In a separate mixing glass, combine 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp syrup) with 2 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters. Stir until dissolved. Ideal for The Sazerac Cocktail. - Add rye and stir with ice.
Pour in 2 oz rye whiskey and stir gently with ice until chilled. - Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
No ice. Just liquid smoothness. - Express a lemon peel over the glass.
Squeeze the oils over the top and discard or use as garnish on the rim.
Why LA Is Embracing the Sazerac's Swagger
The Sazerac isn't for beginners. It's assertive, rich, and built to impress. In LA, that makes it a go-to for:
- Speakeasy nights in Koreatown
- Private cigar lounges in Beverly Hills
- Bourbon tastings in Pasadena
- Live jazz dinners in Echo Park
It also makes a killer pre-dinner drink for steak and charcuterie-heavy menus.
FAQs
Is the Sazerac strong?
Absolutely. It's meant to be sipped. But with the right balance of bitters and absinthe, it's dangerously smooth.
Can I use Cognac instead of rye?
Yes—and it's actually the original version. Party Shakers offers both based on guest or event style.
Can I batch this for large events?
It's best built to order due to the absinthe rinse and aromatic layering. But we can prep a base and rinse glasses in advance for high-volume service.
Book a Cocktail That Commands Attention – The Sazerac in LA
Whether you want to pay tribute to cocktail history or just serve something that separates casual sippers from connoisseurs, the Sazerac Cocktail is it. Strong, elegant, and unforgettable—just like your event should be. There are many other drinks worth checking out too.
✅ Available across Los Angeles County: Arts District, Culver City, Westwood, San Fernando Valley
✅ Ask about absinthe alternatives or smoked glass presentation
✅ Served by Party Shakers mixologists with deep classic cocktail knowledge
✅ Pair with our "Heritage Spirits" bar package for a historical tasting experience
Book Party Shakers – Serve the Sazerac and Pour a Piece of American Cocktail History in LA