Suzerac
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 27.5% ABV ∙
The Suzerac is a Sazerac variation of rye whiskey, a gentian liqueur such as Suze, sugar syrup and Creole-style bitters, stirred into an absinthe-rinsed coupe.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Rinse the glass with Absinthe and set to one side
- Stir the remaining ingredients with ice: Rye whiskey 45 mlGentian liqueur 30 mlSugar syrup 10 mlCreole-style bitters 3 dashes
- Strain into the rinsed glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist
Tips
- Swirl the absinthe until it coats the glass, then tip out the rest; a thin film is plenty, and more drowns the rye.
- Stir the rye, gentian liqueur, syrup, and bitters over ice for about 20–30 seconds, enough to chill it without watering the rye down.
History
The Suzerac is a modern cocktail whose name combines "Suze" and "Sazerac." It reworks the Sazerac by adding Suze, a gentian liqueur, for a lighter, more bitter-herbal edge than the original.
The Sazerac traces to New Orleans, where around 1850 the Sazerac Coffee House served it with imported Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils cognac and bitters from local apothecary Antoine Amédée Peychaud, though its exact origin remains disputed. Around 1870, during the Great French Wine Blight, the base switched to rye whiskey.
FAQ
What is a Suzerac made of?
Rye whiskey, a gentian liqueur such as Suze, sugar syrup and Creole-style bitters, stirred and served without ice in an absinthe-rinsed coupe with a lemon twist. It keeps the Sazerac’s shape and adds the Suze.
Is a Suzerac strong?
Yes. It is spirit-forward, about 27.5% ABV, with 50% ABV rye whiskey as its base.
