How to Make a Spicy Sazerac

The Sazerac is a classic cocktail originating in New Orleans that has become a cult favorite around the world. The original Sazerac recipe is made with brandy or whiskey, bitters, sugar and absinthe. But today, we're going to add a little spice to this classic cocktail.

Before we dive into the Spiced Sazerac recipe, it's important to understand some essential elements of this cocktail. Sazerac is a simple yet complex drink with a careful balance of flavors. The base alcohol, whether brandy or whiskey, provides a robust base, while bitters and absinthe add layers of flavor. Sugar softens the drink and makes it more palatable. In our case, the pepper will add an extra layer of heat and complexity.

Ingredients

• 2 oz of rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of Peychaud bitters
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon of absinthe
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 1 lemon peel

Preparation

To start, you'll need a mixing glass and a serving glass. The first step is to prepare the serving cup. Pour the absinthe into the glass and swirl it around so that the absinthe completely covers the inside of the glass. Discard excess absinthe.

Next, place the sugar cube in the mixing cup. Add the Peychaud and Angostura bitters. Now here is where we add the heat. Cut a slice of jalapeño pepper and add it to the mixing cup. Use a punch to crush the sugar cube and pepper together. This will infuse the sugar with the heat of the pepper.

Add the rye whiskey to the mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and shake well until the mixture is very cold. This should take about 30 seconds.

Once the mixture is cool, strain it into a serving glass. Be sure to strain out the pepper and sugar pieces as well. To finish, twist a lemon peel over the drink to release the essential oils. Then rub the lemon peel on the rim of the glass before discarding.

And there you have it, a spicy Sazerac. This cocktail is an intriguing twist on a classic, with a hint of heat that's perfect for those who like a little spice in their drinks. Pepper not only adds heat, but also a flavor complexity that complements the other ingredients in Sazerac.

So the next time you're in the mood for a classic cocktail with a twist, why not try a spicy Sazerac? It's a drink that is sure to wow your guests and add some heat to your evening.

Whether you're a seasoned cocktail lover or new to the art of mixology, this spiced Sazerac is a great addition to your collection of cocktail recipes. So grab your mixing glass, your rye whiskey and your jalapeño pepper, and start mixing!

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