This Split-Base Sazerac Satisfies Everyone

Want to stir up a debate among cocktail aficionados? Ask whether cognac or rye is the correct base for a proper Sazerac. Then calm everyone's nerves by serving up the Mr. Tally Man, a split-base variation created by Spencer Leibold, head bartender of WarrenPeace in New York City.

Sweet banana liqueur and walnut bitters counterbalance the heat and boldness of the rye in this complex, spirit-forward cocktail. “The longer the drink sits in the glass, the more the elegance of the cognac begins to shine through, giving you an entirely different cocktail experience from start to finish,” Leibold says.

Yet it's still warm and familiar, hence the name, which comes from “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” sung by Harry Belafonte (“Come mister tally man, tally me banana...”). Don't blame us if you can't stop singing the song while enjoying your drink.

Mr. Tally Man

• 1 oz. High West Double Rye (or other rye)
• 1 oz. cognac
• 1/2 oz. crème de banane
• 1/4 oz. falernum
• 2 dashes walnut bitters
• 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
• 1 tsp. pastis
• lemon peel for garnish

Add all ingredients except pastis to a mixing glass with ice, stir for 30 revolutions. Rinse an Old Fashioned glass with pastis, then discard the excess. Strain cocktail into the rinsed glass. Express lemon peel over top and around the rim, then discard.