Sazerac

Instructions

1. Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe, discarding the excess.
2. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with Peychaud's bitters.
3. Add rye whiskey and ice, then stir for 30 seconds.
4. Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass (no ice).
5. Express a lemon peel over the drink, then discard or place alongside.

Notes

The Sazerac is widely considered America's oldest cocktail, originating in New Orleans in the 1850s. Originally made with cognac, rye whiskey became the standard. The absinthe rinse and Peychaud's bitters are non-negotiable, they define the drink.