Classic Vieux Carré Cocktail Recipe

By Flavor My Taste Staff

February 13, 2024

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Classic Vieux Carré Cocktail Recipe
The Vieux Carré is a quintessential New Orleans cocktail steeped in history and elegance. Named after the French term for the city's French Quarter, 'The Old Square', this classic drink was first concocted in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, a bartender at the famed Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone. The Vieux Carré embodies the spirit of its birthplace through a harmonious blend of cognac, whiskey, and sweet vermouth, with a touch of herbal complexity from Benedictine liqueur. The result is a rich, aromatic cocktail that offers a smooth sip with every taste, balancing woody spice, subtle sweetness, and a gentle herbal undertone.

Unveiling the Vieux Carré Cocktail's Rich History

Delving into the world of classic cocktails, few have a story as entrancing as the Vieux Carré. It's a beverage that traverses the annals of New Orleans' captivating cocktail culture. Created in the 1930s by the skilled Walter Bergeron, this cocktail is a relic of the luxurious Carousel Bar in the famed Hotel Monteleone. Brimming with history, every sip is a transportive experience, inviting the drinker to a bygone era where elegance and sophistication reigned supreme.
The Old Square, the English translation of its French namesake, not only references the location of its inception but also the time-honored tradition in which the cocktail is crafted. Having persisted through the decades, the Vieux Carré stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the city's libations and the timeless quality of its ingredients: cognac, rye whiskey, and sweet vermouth.

The Quintessential Taste of New Orleans in a Glass

If one were to seek the soul of New Orleans in a single drink, the Vieux Carré cocktail would triumph as the embodiment of the city's spirit. With every sip, one is embraced by the charisma and allure that is characteristically New Orleans. It brings together complex flavors akin to the intricate tapestry of cultures that make up the city's history and present-day vibe.
Whether you're winding down an evening or lifting spirits at a festive gathering, this cocktail remains a crowd-pleaser. It's a celebratory concoction that offers a warming cascade of flavors, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of Southern hospitality, aged spirits, and cocktail artistry.

Vieux Carré Cocktail: A Symphony of Fine Spirits

The Vieux Carré cocktail is an interplay of selective spirits that reads like a who's who of esteemed liquor. With equal parts of piquant rye whiskey, refined cognac, and aromatic sweet vermouth, this cocktail is a composition that sings with complex flavor. The discerning selection of these base liquors is united by the distinctive herbal kiss of Benedictine, a liqueur whose recipe is a closely guarded secret dating back to the 16th century.
But the symphony doesn’t end there. The Vieux Carré is embellished further with dashes of Angostura and Peychaud's bitters, two critical components that elevate the drink with their botanical and spicy profiles. This depth of flavor makes the Vieux Carré not just a drink, but a curated tasting experience, representative of a storied cocktail tradition.

Solving the Vieux Carré Conundrum: A Stirred Success

As with many cocktails steeped in tradition, the art of mixing the Vieux Carré is shrouded in "dos and don'ts." Why do cocktail aficionados insist on stirring this illustrious concoction? The answer lies in the clarity and texture of the cocktail. Stirring gently chills and dilutes, preserving the integrity of the drink's robust components. Whereas shaking could overly aerate the mix, leading to a dilution that mutes the intricate flavors curated within.
Each element of the Vieux Carré has a part to pay—the disciplined approach to preparation, the precise addition of ice, and the graceful incorporation of dashes of bitters—all culminating in a glass that offers not just a taste but an experience. Therefore, understanding the nuanced construction of this cocktail is crucial for any connoisseur or adventurous home mixologist looking to replicate a true classic.

Classic Vieux Carré Cocktail Recipe

Prep time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Makes 1 Cocktail
  • 3/4 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Cognac
  • 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 1/4 oz Benedictine
  • 1 dash Angostura Bitters
  • 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
  • 1 twist Lemon Peel

Instructions

  • 1 In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine.
  • 2 Add ice to the mixing glass.
  • 3 Add one dash each of Angostura Bitters and Peychaud's Bitters.
  • 4 Stir the ingredients until well chilled.
  • 5 Strain the mixture into a chilled Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
  • 6 Express the oils of a lemon twist over the drink and drop it into the glass as garnish.

Notes

Some variations of the recipe may use different proportions or additional garnishes such as a maraschino cherry. However, the classic version remains a favorite for its balanced flavor profile.