Sazerac Swoon

Manhattan & Riffs • December 16, 2025

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A photo of the Sazerac Swoon cocktail containing Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye, Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth, Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif, Peychaud's Bitters in a Coupe.

Curiada Ingredients

1.50 fl oz Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye or alternative
0.75 fl oz Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth or alternative
0.17 fl oz Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif or alternative
3.00 dash Peychaud's Bitters or alternative

Directions

Chill coupe glass
Add all ingredients to mixing glass
Add ice to mixing glass
Stir well
Fine strain into chilled coupe glass
Express orange twist over drink and drop into glass

Cocktail Description

The Sazerac Swoon delivers a masterful blend of bold rye spice and aromatic anise that captures the spirit of New Orleans in each sip.

This sophisticated variation on the classic Sazerac incorporates sweet vermouth for added depth, balancing the peppery Rittenhouse rye with subtle notes of herbs and caramel. The Ricard Pastis provides that essential anise backbone while Peychaud's Bitters add complexity with their unique floral-anise character. Perfect for evening contemplation or as a dinner party opener, this cocktail works beautifully on crisp autumn nights or whenever you're craving something with character. Though it requires proper stirring technique and specialty ingredients, the Sazerac Swoon is relatively straightforward to prepare once you've assembled the components. Its robust flavor profile stands up beautifully to rich foods like duck confit, steak au poivre, or dark chocolate desserts, where the cocktail's spice and herbal qualities create a harmonious counterpoint to the meal.