The Winter Sazerac is a seasonal twist on the classic cocktail, featuring nutmeg-infused whisky for a cozy, spiced depth. Paired with Cognac, bitters, and a touch of absinthe, this cocktail is elegant yet warming—a perfect choice for winter evenings by the fire or a holiday gathering.
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Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe, swirling to coat the interior, then discard any excess. Set the glass aside.
- In a mixing glass, combine nutmeg-infused whisky, Cognac, simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and Peychaud’s bitters.
- Add ice and stir until well chilled, then strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
- Express the oil from a lemon peel over the drink, then discard the peel. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Infuse your whisky with freshly grated nutmeg for at least 24 hours to ensure a deep, spiced flavor.
- Use high-quality Cognac and absinthe for the best results, as their flavors are central to this drink.
- For a less pronounced absinthe flavor, rinse the glass lightly, or use a spritzing bottle to coat the interior.
Tasting Notes
The Winter Sazerac combines the rich complexity of Cognac with the warm spice of nutmeg-infused whisky. Layers of herbal depth from the absinthe complement the bitters’ aromatic notes, while the lemon twist adds a bright, zesty finish. Perfectly balanced, this cocktail is both festive and sophisticated—a winter classic in the making.