Buffalo Trace Is Releasing A 125-proof Sazerac Rye — And It’s Only $40 Recipe

Chill and rinse

Place the old‑fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail. Pour out the ice water (if used) and add 0.25 oz absinthe to the chilled glass. Swirl the absinthe around to coat the inside thoroughly (30–45 seconds) so the aroma will perfume each sip, then discard any excess by pouring it out or tipping it into a sink, leaving just the aromatic coating.

If you prefer a lighter anise note, use an absinthe rinse on half the glass and save the rest for another cocktail.

Combine ingredients

In a large mixing glass, add 2 oz Sazerac Rye (125 proof), 0.25 oz simple syrup, 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters and 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional).

Dilute and chill

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir briskly but smoothly with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds. Because the rye is 125 proof (62.5% ABV), aim for slightly longer stirring than you would for lower proof spirits to achieve proper dilution—target roughly 20–25% dilution by volume for balance. The drink should be well chilled and slightly viscous from the high‑proof spirit.

Strain

Using a strainer, pour the chilled mixture into the absinthe‑rinsed old‑fashioned glass over a single large ice cube (or several large cubes).

Express and garnish

Take the lemon peel and hold it about 6 inches above the drink. Give the peel a quick twist to express the oils over the surface, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the drink as a garnish. This bright citrus oil complements the spicy rye and anise from the absinthe rinse.

Serve immediately. Because this uses a high‑proof whiskey, sip slowly and be mindful of the spirit’s potency. If the drink tastes too strong, increase the simple syrup to 0.5 oz or add a splash (0.25–0.5 oz) of water to the mixing glass on subsequent pours to achieve a softer profile.

High‑proof whiskeys like a 125‑proof Sazerac Rye are more concentrated in alcohol and aromatic compounds. They benefit from intentional dilution and chilling. Adjust bitters and syrup to taste, and always drink responsibly. This recipe yields a spirit‑forward cocktail meant for sipping.