Winter Sazerac

Enjoying a strong, warming drink in the colder months always feels special, especially when you want a holiday cocktail that’s both classic and seasonal. The Winter Sazerac is one of my favorite Christmas recipes for that reason. It takes the traditional Sazerac and adds nutmeg-infused whiskey, richer aromatics, and a hint of absinthe, making it perfect to sip by the fireplace.

I first made this cocktail for a December dinner party because I wanted a drink that stood out and encouraged slow sipping and good conversation. The Winter Sazerac was perfect for that. My guests stopped to enjoy its aroma, and by the end of the night, it was the most requested drink. I love it because it feels both classic and new, and the nutmeg works for any winter celebration.

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Why You’ll Love This

A Winter Sazerac is the kind of drink that warms you from the inside out. It has depth from the whiskey and Cognac, bright bitterness from two different bitters, and a silky texture thanks to the absinthe rinse. The nutmeg infusion gives it a subtle holiday twist without overpowering the traditional Sazerac flavor.

Here’s why this holiday cocktail stands out:

• Rich winter flavor from nutmeg-infused whiskey.
• Perfect for Christmas gatherings or quiet nights at home.
• Smooth and spirit-forward, ideal for folks who like classic cocktails.
• Low on ingredients but big on flavor and aroma.
• Customizable, allowing you to adjust sweetness or spice.
• Great conversation piece, especially for guests who enjoy trying new versions of classics.

Once you make it, you’ll see why it adds a little extra magic to winter evenings.

Ingredients

The ingredients in this Christmas recipe work together to build layers of flavor. You get warmth from the whiskey, depth from the Cognac, sweetness from the simple syrup, and bitters that round everything out. The absinthe rinse adds that faint herbal note Sazeracs are famous for.

Here’s everything you need:

• 2 oz nutmeg-infused whiskey
• 1 oz Cognac
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.25 oz absinthe
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 5 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
• Lemon peel, for twist

The nutmeg-infused whiskey is the star here. You can easily make it by steeping whole nutmeg in whiskey for a day or two, but store-bought spice-infused options can also work. Cognac adds a smooth finish and pairs beautifully with warm spice notes. Using both aromatic bitters and Peychaud’s gives the drink its signature color and complexity.

If your simple syrup is on the sweeter side, you can scale it down slightly, but I think the amount listed strikes the right balance for winter sipping.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right spirits helps this Winter Sazerac shine. You don’t need the most expensive bottles on the shelf, but quality does matter since this is a spirit-forward cocktail. Here are some great options and easy swaps if something is hard to find:

• Whiskey: Try Bulleit Bourbon, Old Overholt Rye, or Elijah Craig. They hold up well to the nutmeg infusion and mix smoothly.
• Cognac: Hennessy VS or Courvoisier VS both add body without overwhelming the spice.
• Absinthe: Lucid or St. George Absinthe Verte are reliable and not overly strong on the anise flavor.
• Bitters substitutes: If you don’t have aromatic bitters, Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Bitters can step in.
• Simple syrup swap: Demerara syrup adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness if you prefer a richer winter flavor.

These picks make the drink balanced, warm, and ideal for holiday entertaining.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic tools to make a great Winter Sazerac, which makes it perfect for home bartending. A chilled rocks glass is traditional, and the chill helps the absinthe aroma sit lightly on the drink.

Recommended tools:

• Rocks Glass
• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer

If you want to elevate the presentation, pre-chill your glass in the freezer. This keeps the drink cold without extra dilution.

How to Make It

This winter cocktail is easy to prepare, but each step plays a role in its final flavor. Rinsing the glass with absinthe adds aroma without making the drink too strong, and stirring helps blend the whiskey and Cognac while keeping a smooth feel.

Follow these steps:

1. Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe. Swirl to coat the inside, then discard any excess.
2. Combine the nutmeg-infused whiskey, Cognac, simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and Peychaud’s bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Add ice and stir until very cold to the touch.
4. Strain the mixture into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
5. Express lemon oil from a peel over the top of the drink, then discard the peel.

That’s it. You can tweak the sweetness by adding a little more syrup or make it drier by reducing it slightly.

Pro Tips

A few smart tricks can turn a good Winter Sazerac into a great one. These tips help you control temperature, balance, and aroma so the cocktail tastes like something from a bar.

• Use a chilled glass to keep the drink cold without watering it down.
• Don’t overshake or shake at all this cocktail should always be stirred for the right texture.
• Add the bitters first so they don’t get forgotten during mixing.
• Make fresh lemon twists for the best citrus aroma.
• Taste as you stir to check sweetness and dilution.
• Use whole nutmeg for infusion if you want the cleanest spice flavor.
• Go lighter on absinthe if making this for guests new to the classic Sazerac flavors.

Once you’ve mastered it, you can adjust the levels of bitters or sweetness to match your preferred winter profile.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adjust it to fit different moods or preferences. Here are a few fun twists that still keep the holiday cocktail vibe intact:

• Orange Sazerac: Swap the lemon twist for an orange peel to bring out softer citrus notes.
• Maple Sazerac: Use maple syrup instead of simple syrup for deeper seasonal sweetness.
• Extra-spiced version: Add a touch of clove or allspice to the whiskey infusion.
• Non-alcoholic version: Replace whiskey and Cognac with spirit-free whiskey alternatives and rinse with herb-infused simple syrup instead of absinthe.
• Holiday punch style: Batch the whiskey, Cognac, and syrup, then add bitters individually as you pour.

These changes keep the drink exciting while staying true to the winter flavor theme.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Winter Sazerac fits perfectly into cold-weather gatherings. It’s bold enough for nights by the fire, but refined enough to serve at a holiday dinner. Anytime you want a Christmas cocktail with character, this one delivers.

Great pairing ideas:

• Aged cheeses like Gouda or sharp cheddar
• Spiced nuts or candied pecans
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Charcuterie boards with dried fruits
• Other warming drinks like a Cranberry Whiskey Sour, Apple Cider Sangria, or Spiced Pear Cocktail

The strong spirit base pairs especially well with salty or rich foods that benefit from contrast.

Storage and Serving Notes

This isn’t a drink you’ll want to store fully prepared, but you can batch part of it. Mix the nutmeg-infused whiskey, Cognac, and simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate. Add bitters and absinthe rinse only when serving for the best flavor.

Aim for about 3–4 ounces per serving, since this is a spirit-forward cocktail.

FAQs

Curious about some details before you make it? Here are a few common questions that come up with a Winter Sazerac:

Can I use regular whiskey instead of nutmeg-infused?
Yes, but you’ll miss that winter spice note. You can shake in a tiny pinch of nutmeg as a quick fix.

Is the absinthe required?
It’s traditional and adds aroma, but you can use Herbsaint or skip it if you prefer a milder profile.

Is this cocktail very strong?
It’s definitely spirit-forward, similar to an Old Fashioned. Sip it slowly and enjoy the warmth.

Can I make it sweeter?
Absolutely. Add another 0.25 oz of simple syrup or try maple syrup for a seasonal upgrade.

Do I have to discard the lemon peel?
You can keep it in the glass, but discarding it keeps the flavor balanced over time.

More Cocktails to Try

If the Winter Sazerac got you in a seasonal mood, here are more winter and holiday cocktails you might love:

• Spiced Pear Martini – Smooth fruit notes with a warm kick.
• Cranberry Whiskey Sour – Tart, bright, and great for holiday parties.
• Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria – A cozy, crowd-friendly winter drink.
• The Bramble – Berry flavor with a crisp finish.
• Bitter Lemon Spritz – Light but still perfect for cold-weather sipping.

Each one pairs well with winter gatherings and keeps the festive vibe going.