If you’re craving a smooth, spirit-forward drink that feels like a little taste of old New Orleans, the Vieux Carré cocktail might become your new favorite. This classic whiskey cocktail balances rye, cognac, and sweet vermouth with a dash of herbal liqueur for a complex flavor profile that will have you sipping slowly and savoring every note.
One sip can make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the French Quarter. Ready to learn how to mix it up at home? Let’s dive in.
What is a Vieux Carré Cocktail?
The Vieux Carré cocktail is a historic creation hailing from the 1930s, originally stirred up at the famed Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. Its name means “Old Square” in French, referencing the city’s iconic French Quarter. This concoction uniquely blends whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and a splash of Bénédictine (an herb-based liqueur), plus a duo of bitters for extra spice and aroma.
Ingredients
Here’s your quick shopping checklist for a single serving:
- 1 ounce rye whiskey (look for a robust variety)
- 1 ounce cognac (a decent mid-range brand works well)
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth (chilled if possible)
- 1 teaspoon Bénédictine liqueur
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes (for mixing)
- Lemon peel or brandied cherry (for garnish)
Directions
- Fill a mixing glass about halfway with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour in the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine.
- Add two dashes each of Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.
- Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds, just until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass with fresh ice, or serve it up in a coupe glass if you prefer no ice in the final drink.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a brandied cherry, then sip slowly to enjoy the layers of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Since this is an alcohol-forward cocktail, you’ll want to enjoy it responsibly. While exact numbers vary by brand, you can expect roughly:
- 200–220 calories per serving
- 0 grams of fat
- 3–5 grams of carbohydrates (mostly from the sweet vermouth and Bénédictine)
These numbers are approximations. If you’re watching your intake, feel free to halve the recipe or share it with a friend.
Final Thoughts
If you love whiskey cocktails but want a little more sophistication, the Vieux Carré cocktail delivers on flavor and history. It’s smooth yet complex, with a wink of New Orleans charm in every sip. The best part? You get to tweak it to match your taste—adjust the balance of cognac to whiskey, or try different bitters until you find a personal favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use another type of whiskey instead of rye?
Yes. Rye is traditional for its spicy kick, but you can experiment with bourbon if you prefer a sweeter note. - Do I really need Bénédictine?
It’s part of what makes this cocktail distinct, but you can try experimenting with other herbal liqueurs. Just note that the flavor won’t be quite the same without Bénédictine.
Enjoy mixing your very own Vieux Carré, and don’t be surprised if you close your eyes and picture the lively streets of New Orleans swirling in your glass!
