Your ChatGBT Bartender Drink of the Day; The Sazerac

Your ChatGBT Bartender drink of the day is the Sazerac! What a history.

The Sazerac cocktail is a classic cocktail with a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Its origins can be traced to New Orleans, Louisiana, making it one of America's oldest cocktails. Here's a brief history of the Sazerac cocktail:

The Sazerac cocktail was first created in the early 1800s by Antoine Peychaud, a Creole apothecary from New Orleans. Peychaud crafted a medicinal elixir using a combination of brandy, bitters, and various herbs, which he served in an eggcup called a coquetier (pronounced "ko-k-tay").

The drink gained popularity and became associated with the Sazerac Coffee House, established by John B. Schiller in the 1850s. The coffee house eventually started serving the Sazerac cocktail, which became its signature drink.In the mid-19th century, absinthe, a highly alcoholic and anise-flavored spirit, gained popularity in New Orleans. Absinthe started replacing brandy as the base spirit in the Sazerac cocktail, giving it a distinct flavor. This change is credited to Leon Lamothe, a bartender at the Sazerac Coffee House. In the early 20th century, absinthe was banned in the United States due to concerns about its safety. As a result, the Sazerac cocktail had to be adapted. The Sazerac Coffee House switched to using a locally-produced anise-flavored liqueur called Herbsaint, which is still used in the modern recipe. In 2008, the Sazerac cocktail was recognized as the official cocktail of New Orleans by the Louisiana Legislature. The official recipe, as designated by the Sazerac Company, includes rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's bitters, and Herbsaint. It is traditionally garnished with a lemon peel.

The Sazerac cocktail remains a beloved classic, representing the rich history and culture of New Orleans. It has become a staple in cocktail bars worldwide and continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts.

The Sazerac Cocktail recipe from ChatGPT

Here's the classic recipe for a Sazerac cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
• Absinthe or Herbsaint (to rinse the glass)
• Lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and water.
2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Peychaud's bitters until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the rye whiskey to the mixing glass with the bitters and sugar. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. Stir the mixture well until it is properly chilled.
5. Discard the ice from the chilled old-fashioned glass. Rinse the glass with a small amount of absinthe or Herbsaint, swirling it around to coat the interior. Discard any excess.
6. Strain the whiskey mixture from the mixing glass into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
7. Express the oils from a lemon peel over the glass by twisting it, then garnish the drink with the lemon peel.

Note: The classic Sazerac recipe calls for rye whiskey, but you can also use bourbon if you prefer. Additionally, the absinthe or Herbsaint rinse is an essential step in the Sazerac preparation, as it imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cocktail. Remember to drink responsibly!

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