The Sazerac, touted as “history in a glass,” has been dubbed the official cocktail of New Orleans, making the city the first ever to have its own sanctioned libation. Today marks the beginning of Tales of the Cocktail 2008, and they’re kicking off the event this year with a toast to New Orleans and a classic favorite, the Sazerac.

A blend of rye whiskey, sugar, absinthe and bitters, the Sazerac is “likely the first cocktail born in the Crescent City.” Join New Orleans in the celebration by mixing one up yourself:

Sazerac

3 oz rye whiskey
¾ oz simple syrup
Peychaud bitters, to taste
Absinthe
Lemon twist for garnish

Blend simple syrup and bitters together in a mixing glass. Add whiskey and ice to the bitters mixture and stir. Rinse an old fashioned glass with absinthe by adding a small amount, swirling it around and discarding the liquid. Fill the absinthe-rinsed glass with crushed ice. Strain the whiskey concoction into the old fashioned glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

If any of you are so lucky as to be in New Orleans this week for Tales of the Cocktail, make sure to say “hi!” to our own Tom and Dave while you’re there!

TAGS [ SAZERAC | NEW ORLEANS | TALES OF THE COCKTAIL | ABSINTHE | COCKTAIL | COCKTAIL RECIPES ]