Cognac Sazerac with Orange Bitters
A sophisticated twist on the classic Sazerac, featuring cognac instead of rye whiskey and a hint of orange bitters for a floral note. This general-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes pairs Cognac, Simple syrup, dashes Peychaud's bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cognac
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 1/4 oz Absinthe
- 1 large cube Ice
- 1 twist Lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse a chilled coupe glass with 1/4 oz absinthe, swirling to coat the inside, then discard the excess absinthe.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz cognac, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters. Add 1 large ice cube and stir slowly for 30 seconds until chilled and diluted to the desired strength.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into the prepared coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cognac Sazerac with Orange Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cognac Sazerac with Orange Bitters?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cognac from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cognac Sazerac with Orange Bitters?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cognac Sazerac with Orange Bitters for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cognac Sazerac with Orange Bitters?
General cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper. The balance of cognac and bitters is spot on.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The orange bitters added the perfect touch.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my wife's birthday, she loved it!