New Orleans' gift to the cocktail world, the Sazerac is as rich in history as it is in flavor. Born in the 19th century and often considered America’s first cocktail, it blends rye whiskey (or sometimes cognac), a touch of sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and a whisper of absinthe for a bold yet balanced sip. Served in a chilled glass with a lemon peel (no ice, no nonsense), the Sazerac is smooth, spicy, and just a little mysterious—like the French Quarter itself.