Sazerac Cocktail: The Tequila Version

What exactly is a Sazerac cocktail? The Sazerac is a classic cocktail with a heritage spanning over two hundred years. This distinguished drink originated in New Orleans during the 1800s and was officially recognised on New Orleans’ cocktail register in 2008. 

The traditional recipe comprises rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar syrup. The Tequila Sazerac variant represents a fascinating blend of New Orleans’ rich history and Mexico’s time-honoured flavours, featuring our aged tequila reposado.

The Sazerac was created by Antoine Amedie Peychaud in 1838. He employed it as a remedy for patrons suffering from the aftereffects of excessive wine or spirits consumption. Additionally, he utilised it as an antiseptic treatment for injuries sustained during the Battle of New Orleans. 

In 1850, a publican called James H. Sewell acquired Peychaud’s apothecary and commenced serving Sazeracs to clientele. Sewell’s establishment proved so tremendously popular that it subsequently relocated to Rue Royale (presently known as Royal Street), where it continues to operate to this day.

Components Required for Preparing a Tequila Sazerac

The Tequila Sazerac represents a contemporary twist on the traditional Sazerac cocktail, substituting rye whiskey with tequila. It also features an additional element of complexity from Pernod Absinthe, which imparts a distinctive aniseed flavour to the beverage. This particular absinthe proves most suitable for this Sazerac variant:

• 2 measures of Olmeca Altos Reposado
• 1/2 measure of Agave syrup
• 3 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
• 1 bar spoon of Pernod Absinthe

Should you wish to explore additional cocktails featuring similar ingredients, do consider our Manhattan Drink recipe.

Method for Crafting the Tequila Sazerac Cocktail

Begin by rinsing a chilled Old Fashioned tumbler with the Pernod Absinthe, then set it to one side. In a mixing glass, combine the bitters with Altos Tequila Reposado and stir thoroughly with ice. Discard the excess Pernod Absinthe and pour the Altos Tequila Reposado mixture with bitters into the Old Fashioned tumbler. Finish with a lemon twist as garnish.

Enhancing this Tequila Reposado Sazerac

There are numerous approaches to elevating a Sazerac, though one of the most straightforward involves replacing rye whiskey with tequila. This uncomplicated substitution creates an entirely distinct flavour profile compared to the traditional recipe. 

Whilst you may not achieve the full robustness of rye whiskey, you’ll retain all the smoky character that characterises this timeless cocktail. The outcome is a sophisticated beverage with a distinctive smoky quality that’s certain to satisfy even your most particular guests.

For this Sazerac preparation, we suggest employing reposado tequila as it possesses greater depth than blanco tequila whilst remaining less intense than fully aged varieties. Should you desire something gentler, consider utilising unaged agave nectar rather than simple syrup. For those seeking greater strength, añejo tequila proves an excellent choice.

Conversely, whilst numerous individuals appreciate this cocktail as we’ve described, others favour it served over ice or lengthened with sparkling water, finding the original rather potent. Furthermore, it’s quite enjoyable to experiment with different variations using various liqueurs and bitters.

Alternative Options to the Sazerac Cocktail

Should you be seeking an alternative to the Sazerac cocktail, we offer numerous possibilities. Do sample some of our other signature creations, interpretations of classics, and some truly remarkable concoctions crafted with tequila.

Regarding cocktails, tequila ranks amongst the most versatile spirits available: it’s perfectly suited to everything from margaritas to sours and indeed highballs. The following recipes represent merely a selection of Altos’ distinctive variations that you can effortlessly prepare this summer:

• Our distinctive Prickly Pear Margarita
• Our range of Fruity Cocktails
• The delightful Honey Highball Cocktail
• The cheerful Tequila Sunrise

If this list is too short for you, check out our best cocktail recipes and get more inspiration.

Premium Tequila for Exceptional Cocktails

Crafting a Sazerac Cocktail represents an art form. However, what proves even more crucial than the artistry of mixing are the components you select for preparation. When preparing a Tequila Sazerac, you must ensure you employ the finest quality ingredients. We represent a premium brand and wish to guarantee you enjoy the optimal experience when utilising our tequila in your Tequila Sazerac recipe. 

Olmeca Altos tequila is produced from 100% agave, which bestows upon it a rich, full-bodied flavour that’s ideal for any cocktail you might envision. As this tequila is crafted with agave cultivated in the highlands of Jalisco, it possesses a smooth character with notes of citrus and vanilla. The vibrancy of this flavour profile renders it perfect for mixing in cocktails such as the Tequila Sazerac.

The Tequila Sazerac represents both an exceptional choice for celebrations and festive gatherings, whilst remaining perfectly suited for intimate home preparation. With its complex flavour profile featuring notes of caramel, aromatic spices, and that distinctive warming finish, this cocktail offers a sophisticated drinking experience that bridges the heritage of New Orleans with the rich traditions of Mexican tequila craftsmanship. 

Most components are readily available at any off-licence or supermarket, making this elegant cocktail surprisingly accessible. Though absinthe may prove the sole challenging ingredient to source, it can easily be obtained online or from specialist retailers, ensuring that this remarkable fusion of cultures can be enjoyed by discerning cocktail enthusiasts everywhere.