The Sazerac Bar

Address | 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130 in the The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The Sazerac Bar, located in the historic Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, is an iconic destination that exudes the timeless elegance and charm of the Crescent City. Named after the Sazerac cocktail—often considered America’s first cocktail—this bar boasts a legacy that dates back to the 19th century. Walking into the Sazerac Bar feels like stepping into another era, with its polished wood paneling, elegant chandeliers, and vintage-style murals painted by artist Paul Ninas. The bar’s ambiance combines sophistication with a welcoming Southern warmth, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, the Sazerac Bar is particularly famous for its namesake drink, a blend of rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's bitters, absinthe, and a twist of lemon. Other classic offerings, such as the Ramos Gin Fizz, also have deep ties to New Orleans' cocktail history. Guests can savor these iconic beverages while soaking in the lively yet refined atmosphere. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a history enthusiast, the Sazerac Bar offers a quintessential New Orleans experience that captures the city’s rich cultural tapestry and enduring spirit of celebration.

After a lively day wandering the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, indulging in the aroma of jasmine and the soulful notes of street performers, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we decided to elevate our early evening with a visit to the storied Roosevelt Hotel, where the Sazerac Bar awaited with its timeless charm and legendary cocktails.

Stepping into the Sazerac Bar felt like entering an era of sophistication and elegance. Surrounded by the warm glow of the wood-paneled walls and the artistry of Paul Ninas’ murals, we settled in and ordered two quintessential drinks: a French 75 and, naturally, the bar’s namesake Sazerac. The French 75 was effervescent and bright, the perfect balance of citrus and champagne, while the Sazerac offered a bold, nuanced taste of New Orleans history in a glass. Each sip was a celebration of the city’s storied cocktail culture, capping off a day steeped in the flavors and ambiance that make New Orleans unforgettable.

The Sazerac cocktail has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is considered one of the first cocktails ever created, with its origins tied to the Sazerac House, a popular apothecary and gathering spot in the French Quarter. The drink was named after Sazerac de Forge et Fils, a brand of Cognac that served as the base spirit in its earliest iteration. The cocktail evolved when Phylloxera devastated French vineyards in the late 19th century, making Cognac scarce; American rye whiskey became the preferred substitute. Peychaud’s Bitters, created by Antoine Amédée Peychaud, an apothecary of Haitian descent, became a defining ingredient, giving the cocktail its distinct flavor. Combined with absinthe, sugar, and a hint of lemon peel, the Sazerac became a symbol of New Orleans' cocktail culture, cemented as the official cocktail of the city in 2008.

Original Sazerac Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Sazerac de Forge et Fils Cognac (or Rye Whiskey in modern variations)

• 1 sugar cube

• 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

• Absinthe (or Herbsaint as a substitute)

• Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe, swirling to coat the interior, then discard the excess.

2. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with Peychaud’s Bitters.

3. Add the Cognac (or Rye Whiskey) and ice, and stir until well chilled.

4. Strain into the prepared glass.

5. Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and place it on the rim or discard.

6. Serve neat and enjoy!