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Scarlet Sazerac
New Orleans classic · flamed absinthe rinse · stirred · serves 1
The Sazerac is New Orleans in a glass: rye, anise-y Peychaud's bitters, and an absinthe rinse. Here the rinse gets set alight to warm and perfume the glass, and Cran-Juniper Grenadine replaces the sugar cube, adding a ruby glow and a cranberry-rose twist to an American icon.
Methodflamed rinse, stirredGlasschilled heat-proof rocks glass, no ice
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp absinthe (or anise liqueur), for the rinse
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1/4 oz Cran-Juniper Grenadine
- 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters (or other anise-forward bitters)
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
- lemon peel, for garnish
Steps
- Stir the rye, Cran-Juniper Grenadine, and both bitters with ice for 20–30 seconds; set aside.
- Add the absinthe to a heat-proof rocks glass and swirl to coat. Light it with a long lighter and let it burn for 3–5 seconds, then smother it by setting a saucer on top.
- Strain the stirred drink into the warmed glass (no ice).
- Express the lemon peel over the top and discard it, that's the tradition.
No-Sweat Swap: Skip the flame: just swirl the absinthe, pour out the excess, and strain the drink in. Still the classic.
Safety: Tie back hair and sleeves, clear the area of paper and towels, and work on a heat-proof surface. Never pour from a bottle toward a flame. Keep a lid or saucer nearby to smother flames. Let everything cool and make sure all flames are out before anyone takes a sip. Use a heat-proof glass and only 1/4 tsp absinthe.