Secrets Of New Orleans' Cocktail The Sazerac

From the festivities on Bourbon Street to the Cajun food, festivals, art galleries, and jazz music, The Big Easy is a glistening diamond of the South. Stop and savor it all over a quick drink; the Sazerac is a classic cocktail here has been around for donkey’s years and still has people traveling far and wide to taste it.

Since 2008, the Sazerac has served as the official cocktail of New Orleans. Many may feel that the Hand Grenade is a worthier contender. Sure, this firecracker of a drink will always play an important role in Nola drinking culture. However, nothing tops the Sazerac. Riddled with history, the Sazerac is a dark horse and a source of contention amongst drinks experts. Some say that its pre-civil war origins make it the oldest cocktail in America. Others beg to differ.

The way in which the ingredients blend perfectly will satisfy any palates. Cognac and rye whiskey are used interchangeably. Peychaud’s Bitters add that extra kick, with the grand finale being a dash of absinthe or Herbsaint. Just a touch of water and sugar helps the medicine go down. This drink is made in a meticulous manner using two chilled old-fashioned glasses. Yes, it will make you fall weak at the knees. Literally.

A most unfortunate epidemic of phylloxera caused pandemonium in Europe during the late 19th century. France took a hit, as did the French vineyards. This devastation led to the main ingredient being changed from Cognac to rye whiskey. When the green fairy was banished from America in 1912, other anise flavors (such as the locally produced Herbsaint) were used.

Now, hop in your time capsule to early 19th-century New Orleans and meet the apothecary Antoine Peychaud. This loose cannon of a man deserves recognition for creating ‘Peychaud’s Bitters,’ one of the most important ingredients in the Sazerac. Next, place yourself in 1850 and meet Sewell T. Taylor. This chap sold his New Orleans bar, ‘The Merchants Exchange Coffee House,’ and made a career change to an importer of spirits. He favored a specific brand of Cognac called Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils. After this, a man named Aaron Bird took on the bar and changed it to the ‘Sazerac Coffee House.’ In case you were wondering, they didn’t just sell coffee. And so, the plot thickens. Apparently, Bird started selling Taylor’s beloved imported Sazerac and added Peychaud’s bitters. As the years progressed, several hands took over the bar until eventually a bloke named Thomas Handy grabbed the wheel. It was Handy who officially printed the first Sazerac cocktail recipe in 1908. The lines are hazy regarding who is responsible for officially creating the first Sazerac. Whether it was just one person or a collective effort, what they created is dynamite.

It is worth noting that this stellar tipple has even made a couple of cameo film appearances. The Bond villain in Live And Let Die ordered two Sazeracs while in New Orleans, as did Benjamin’s father in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. Whether you liken yourself to a Bond villain or just your average Joe Bloggs, this little beauty of a drink is worth a taste. Besides, it’s not like you need an excuse to take a trip to New Orleans. If you are looking for an excuse, though, you know what to get.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.