One Great Glass: Sazerac

It’s a classic cocktail, a bayou version of an Old Fashioned, named for the cognac that was its original main dance partner. It’s thought to be pre-Civil War ‘Nawlins and is usually a mix of cognac or rye, absinthe or herbsaint, bitters, and a touch of voodoo. It is served neat (with no ice) which makes it a true drinker’s drink, and the flavor is one of woodsy grain laced with ethereal licorice. Locally there’s a great version at HauteDish (what with their love of rye) and I’ve had one lilting with absinthe at Meritage, and of course the one at Bradstreet is all about staying true to the classic form.