Mezcal Sazerac

The Mezcal Sazerac reimagines one of history's oldest cocktails through the lens of agave. The foundational rye whiskey is replaced by mezcal, which imparts a distinctive smoky, earthy, and vegetal profile. This is balanced by the traditional Peychaud's bitters and a hint of sweetness, all served in a glass rinsed with anise-flavored absinthe. The result is a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink that is both familiar and excitingly new.
Mezcal Sazerac

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mezcal Sazerac is firmly categorized as a cocktail, specifically a modern classic. It is a contemporary variation on the original Sazerac, adapting a historic recipe with a different base spirit. Due to its spirit-forward nature, it is often enjoyed as a digestif.

Serving

The Mezcal Sazerac is a strong, compact drink served cold but without ice in a chilled Old Fashioned glass that has been rinsed with absinthe to add an aromatic herbal layer.
Serving size
Approx. 90-100 ml / 3-3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled and rinsed with absinthe

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern creation, born from the craft cocktail revival of the 21st century. As bartenders and enthusiasts began experimenting with classic formulas, substituting base spirits became a popular way to innovate. Replacing the Sazerac's traditional rye or cognac with the increasingly popular mezcal was a natural evolution, creating a version that highlights the smoky spirit while honoring the original's structure.
Origin
The Mezcal Sazerac is a modern variation with no single credited inventor or origin point, but it emerged from the American craft cocktail scene in the early 21st century. It's a direct descendant of the original Sazerac, which hails from New Orleans, Louisiana, in the mid-19th century.

Mezcal Sazerac

The drink is most commonly known as the Mezcal Sazerac, a name that clearly indicates its inspiration and primary ingredient. Occasionally, it is referred to as an Oaxacan Sazerac, referencing the primary region in Mexico where mezcal is produced.
Original name
Mezcal Sazerac
Alternative name
Oaxacan Sazerac

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a smoky aroma with hints of anise and bright lemon. The flavor is spirit-forward and complex, balancing the earthiness of mezcal with herbal bitters and a whisper of sweetness, leading to a long, warming finish.
Flavor
smoky, earthy, herbal, anise, subtly sweet, citrusy
Aroma
smoke, anise, lemon oils, subtle spice
Taste balance
spirit-forward, bitter, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
long, warming, smoky, herbal
Fizziness
still, none
Color appearance
light reddish-brown hue, clear
Texture
smooth, silky, spirituous
Seasonality
warming, year-round, suitable for cooler evenings

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intense and alcohol-forward, dominated by smoky and bitter notes with just enough sweetness to provide balance. It is a non-carbonated drink with a strong character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a good quality mezcal as its base, complemented by Peychaud's bitters and a touch of agave nectar. An absinthe rinse and a fresh lemon peel for garnish are essential to complete the drink.
  • Mezcal60 ml / 2 oz
    An unaged (joven) mezcal with a moderate smoke profile works best to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Peychaud's Bitters3 dashes
    Essential for the Sazerac's classic flavor profile.
  • Agave Nectar5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    Can be substituted with simple syrup, but agave nectar complements the base spirit.
  • Absinthe5 ml / 1 teaspoon, for rinse
    Used only to coat the inside of the glass for aroma. Discard any excess.
  • Lemon Peel1
    For expressing oils and garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring, none in the glass

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard stirring set: a mixing glass, a bar spoon, and a strainer. A peeler is also necessary to prepare the lemon peel garnish.
  • Mixing Glass: For combining and chilling the ingredients.
  • Bar Spoon: For stirring the cocktail.
  • Julep or Hawthorne Strainer: For straining the chilled liquid into the serving glass.
  • Vegetable Peeler or Paring Knife: To create the lemon peel garnish.

Instructions

The process involves chilling and rinsing a glass with absinthe, stirring the mezcal, sweetener, and bitters with ice, and then straining the mixture into the prepared glass. The final touch is expressing a lemon peel over the drink for aroma.
1. Chill an Old Fashioned glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in a freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Once chilled, discard the ice from the glass. Add the absinthe and swirl to coat the entire interior of the glass, then discard the excess absinthe.
3. In a mixing glass filled with cubed ice, combine the mezcal, agave nectar, and Peychaud's bitters.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the prepared, absinthe-rinsed Old Fashioned glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink with the skin facing down, and squeeze it to express the citrus oils onto the surface of the cocktail.
7. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel and then drop it into the drink. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The sole garnish is a lemon peel, which is crucial for the cocktail. Its expressed oils add a bright citrus aroma that cuts through the smoke and herbal notes.
  • Lemon Peel: Express the oils from a wide strip of lemon peel over the surface of the drink, then rub the rim of the glass with it before dropping it in or discarding.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also caffeine-free, and generally considered gluten-free and vegan, though it's wise to check the specific brands of bitters and absinthe if allergies are severe.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-carbohydrate and low-sugar cocktail, as its volume is mostly spirit. The majority of its calories come from the alcohol content of the mezcal and absinthe.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 4-6 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 3-5 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal cocktail for sophisticated occasions, such as a relaxed cocktail hour or as a digestif after a meal. Its complex, spirit-forward nature makes it perfect for sipping and savoring in a quiet bar or at home.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • After-Dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Whiskey Drink Alternative

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and complex profile of the Mezcal Sazerac pairs well with bold flavors. It stands up beautifully to spicy Oaxacan cuisine, rich charcuterie, or a piece of high-quality dark chocolate after dinner.
  • Spicy Mexican or Oaxacan dishes
  • Cured meats and charcuterie boards
  • Strong, aged cheeses
  • Dark chocolate

Mezcal Sazerac: A Smoky Ode to a Classic

The Mezcal Sazerac is a masterful modern interpretation of a timeless classic, perfect for the adventurous drinker. It swaps the spicy notes of rye whiskey for the earthy smoke of mezcal, creating a deeply aromatic and spirit-forward experience. The essential elements of the original—Peychaud's bitters and an absinthe rinse—remain, bridging the gap between old-world New Orleans and rural Mexico. It's a contemplative, slow-sipping cocktail that is both challenging and rewarding.

Similar Cocktails

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Another mezcal-based classic variation, but it follows the Old Fashioned template with Angostura bitters and is served on the rocks.

Mezcal Negroni

A different classic cocktail (the Negroni) that is modified with mezcal. It is more bitter and sweet, using Campari and sweet vermouth.

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