Antoine Peychaud, a prominent figure in the history of cocktails, is credited with starting the Sazerac. Born in 1803 in Haiti, Peychaud later moved to New Orleans where he established his own apothecary. It was at this apothecary, located at 123 Royal Street (now 437 Royal Street), that Peychaud began selling his famous concoctions.
One of the products that Peychaud sold at his apothecary was his own blend of bitters. These bitters, along with peppermint and alcohol, were highly sought after by local coffee houses in New Orleans. The coffee houses used these ingredients in their cocktails, and Peychaud's bitters quickly gained a reputation for being the best in the city.
It was during this time that the Sazerac cocktail was born. The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's bitters. It is believed to be one of the oldest known cocktails in America, with its origins dating back to the early 19th century.
The story goes that the Sazerac cocktail was originally made with cognac, but due to the phylloxera epidemic that devastated vineyards in France in the late 1800s, rye whiskey became a popular substitute. The drink was then named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac that was originally used in the cocktail.
Peychaud's apothecary became a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, who would come to enjoy his bitters and other concoctions. The Sazerac, in particular, gained a loyal following and became synonymous with the city of New Orleans.
Today, the Sazerac is considered a quintessential New Orleans cocktail and is enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world. The legacy of Antoine Peychaud lives on in this iconic drink, which continues to be made with his original bitters recipe.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the world of cocktails and experimenting with various ingredients. The Sazerac is a personal favorite of mine, and I have enjoyed both making and experiencing this classic cocktail. Its unique combination of flavors, from the spicy rye whiskey to the herbal notes of absinthe and the aromatic Peychaud's bitters, creates a truly memorable drinking experience.
Antoine Peychaud, with his apothecary on Royal Street in New Orleans, played a pivotal role in the creation and popularization of the Sazerac cocktail. His bitters, along with his expertise in mixology, laid the foundation for this timeless New Orleans cocktail. The Sazerac remains a testament to the rich history and vibrant cocktail culture of the city.