As a bartender, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to mix up classic cocktails. And one ingredient that I've been loving lately is Peychaud's Bitters.
This bright red bitters is an essential ingredient in the classic Sazerac cocktail, but it can do so much more than that.
Peychaud's Bitters was first created in the 1830s by a New Orleans apothecary named Antoine Peychaud.
He mixed up a blend of bitters, herbs, and spices and used it to make a medicinal drink that he would serve to his friends. Eventually, the recipe was passed down and became a staple in the New Orleans cocktail scene.
But what makes Peychaud's Bitters so special? Well, it has a unique flavor profile that's both sweet and bitter, with notes of anise, cherry, and clove.
It's the perfect addition to any cocktail that needs a little bit of complexity and depth.
Over the years, bartenders have come up with all sorts of creative ways to use Peychaud's Bitters.
From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan to modern concoctions like the Paper Plane and the Trinidad Sour, there's no shortage of delicious drinks that feature this versatile ingredient.
So if you're looking to up your cocktail game, look no further than Peychaud's Bitters.
Whether you're a fan of whiskey, gin, or tequila, there's a Peychaud's cocktail out there that's sure to satisfy.
1. Classic Sazerac Cocktail
The Classic Sazerac Cocktail is a timeless drink that dates back to 1897 in New Orleans. It's a technically-driven cocktail that requires precise mixing and chilling to achieve the perfect taste. The cocktail mixes a stiff whiskey with a dash of absinthe and both Peychaud and Angostura bitters.
The use of Rittenhouse Rye or Sazerac Rye is recommended to achieve the perfect blend of spices and heat from the Rye grain. The Sazerac Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a bit of history and storytelling with their drink.
2. The Cardamom Rose Cocktail
"The Cardamom Rose Cocktail" is a unique and exciting addition to the world of Peychaud's Bitters cocktails. This Scottish gin-based drink is infused with the flavors of rose petals, cucumber, and cardamom, giving it a floral and spicy taste with a hint of citrus. The bitters add a pleasant heat to the back of the throat, making it a perfect drink for those looking for a little kick.
The use of homemade flavorings and syrups in this cocktail is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the craft cocktail movement. If you're looking for a drink that pushes the boundaries of flavor and experimentation, "The Cardamom Rose Cocktail" is definitely worth a try.
3. Star Anise Chilcano
The Star Anise Chilcano is a unique and flavorful cocktail that is sure to impress anyone looking for a new twist on a classic drink. This cocktail features a star anise-infused vodka or pisco, fresh lemon juice, and ginger beer or ginger ale, topped off with a few dashes of Peychaud's bitters.
The result is a light and lively cocktail with a Peruvian vibe that is perfect for any occasion. The star anise infusion adds a subtle licorice flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients, while the Peychaud's bitters add a touch of complexity to the drink. If you're looking for a new cocktail to try, the Star Anise Chilcano is definitely worth a taste.
4. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans and is considered the official cocktail of the city. This cocktail is made with Sazerac Rye, Peychaud’s Bitters, Herbsaint, a sugar cube, and a lemon peel. The ritual of making this cocktail is part of its story and tradition in New Orleans.
The use of Peychaud’s Bitters adds a unique blend of different botanicals, including dried citrus notes and anise. Herbsaint is used as an absinthe substitute, which adds a touch of anise flavor. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves American whiskey and wants to experience the flavors of New Orleans.
5. Fernet Sazerac
The Fernet Sazerac is a unique twist on the classic Sazerac cocktail that swaps out absinthe for Fernet Branca, a bitter Italian digestive with saffron notes. The result is a dry and bittersweet cocktail with delightful Persian flavors that complement the rye spice.
The addition of Scrappy's cardamom bitters to the Peychaud's bitters adds a strong cardamom flavor that ties all the bitter notes into a neat little flavor package. While Fernet Branca may be an acquired taste, this cocktail is worth a try for adventurous drinkers looking for a new spin on a classic cocktail.
6. Classic Sazerac
The Classic Sazerac is a timeless cocktail that originated in New Orleans. Made with rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, sugar, and a rinse of absinthe, it's a deceptively simple cocktail that packs a punch.
The perfect Sazerac is a matter of personal preference, with variations in the type of sugar/sweetener used, the citrus garnish, and the addition of angostura bitters. If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a rich history and a complex flavor profile, the Sazerac is definitely worth trying.
7. Vieux Carré
If you're looking for a cocktail that's rich, full-flavored, and boozy, the Vieux Carré is definitely worth trying. This classic cocktail is a New Orleans favorite, and for good reason. With a split base of rye and cognac, sweet vermouth, herbal Benedictine, and the unique flavor of Peychaud's Bitters, this drink is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and bitter.
The name "Vieux Carré" means "old square" in French, and this cocktail certainly has an old-world charm to it. It's a great choice for after-dinner sipping, and it's sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a cocktail with a little bit of history and a lot of flavor, the Vieux Carré is definitely worth a try.
8. Sazerac Cocktail
The Sazerac Cocktail is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. Originally made with Cognac, the cocktail was later switched to Rye Whiskey due to the scarcity of grape-based spirits during the phylloxera epidemic. The cocktail is made with Peychaud's Bitters, which adds a unique herbal and sweet flavor to the drink.
The Sazerac Cocktail is a perfect after-dinner drink, with its herbaceous and sweet qualities making it a perfect cap on a nice dinner. The cocktail can also be made with other whiskey types, such as peated Scotch, which adds a smoky and herbal flavor to the drink. If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a rich history and unique flavor profile, the Sazerac Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
