The Recipe · No.1104 · Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail)
Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail), and where to source it
The Sazerac is defined by the rinse. Coat a chilled glass with a few drops of anise flavor, tip out the excess, and build the drink in that glass; the aroma hits your nose before the first sip and that IS the Sazerac.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep4 min
Cook0 min
Makesmakes 1
CuisineBitter
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Non-alcoholic whiskey alternative
A zero-proof whiskey with rye-like spice is the base. It has to stand up to the anise rinse.
2 ozrecommended
Local / market
Anise or absinthe alternative
A non-alcoholic anise extract or zero-proof pastis for the rinse. A few drops coat the glass; you never add much.
a few dropsrecommended
Local / market
Demerara syrup
Demerara for the raw-sugar sweetness that balances the spice and bitters.
0.25 ozrecommended
Local / market
Aromatic bitters
A couple dashes of aromatic bitters for the classic Sazerac spine.
2 dashesrecommended
Local / market
Lemon peel
Fresh lemon peel, expressed over the top and traditionally discarded, for a bright citrus lift.
1 striprecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
RinseChill a rocks glass. Add a few drops of the anise alternative, swirl to coat the inside, and pour out the excess.
StirIn a mixing glass over ice, stir the whiskey alternative, demerara, and bitters for 30 seconds.
StrainStrain into the rinsed glass with no ice, then express the lemon peel over the top.
Can you make Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail) in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail)? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail) ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail) gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Virgin Sazerac (Sazerac Mocktail) vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Made it, tweaked it, or recognize which restaurant this tastes like? Leave a note — first-name basis, no account.