This Week's Cocktails: Double Cross and The Vodka Sazerac

John Schiller opened the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans in 1859 with the Sazerac cocktail, utilizing New Orleans’ favorite Cognac: Sazerac. When John Handy took over the bar, he swapped the Cognac for Rye and the debate has raged ever since. Our friend Dale DeGroff makes a killer version using a mixture of rye and Cognac. Bourbon is also a pleasant substitution not without historical precedent.

Vodka generally makes this an abominable substitution. However, one of the things that strikes me so favorably about Double Cross vodka is it's texture. Somehow I got it into my head that a Double Cross swap would work. I am thrilled with the result. DC Vodka, the famous bitters invented by New Orleanean Antoine Peychaud, Angostura Bitters and Absinthe make for an extraordinary libation. Attempting this with other vodka is futile!

Friday and Saturday, The Double Cross Sazerac will be offered at a 33% discount. The most tasteful cocktail enthusiasts of The Garden State will be in attendance, as is their custom. Hors d'Oeuvres will be passed Friday evening from 5:30 until 9 PM.