Vieux Carré
Discover the Vieux Carré, a sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail hailing from New Orleans. Named after the French Quarter, this classic drink blends rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth with bitters for a complex, layered flavour profile. Perfect for sipping slowly, the Vieux Carré offers a rich tapestry of herbal, bitter, and subtly sweet notes, evoking the timeless charm of its namesake city. Learn how to craft this iconic cocktail, perfect for connoisseurs and those seeking a taste of history.
Ingredients
- 2 cl whiskey
- 2 cl cognac
- 2 cl Martini Rosso
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 piece lemon peel
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 lowball glass
Instructions
Fill a mixing glass (or shaker base) with ice cubes.
Add the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
Stir well with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
Place a large ice cube in a chilled lowball glass.
Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the prepared lowball glass over the fresh ice.
Express the oils from the lemon peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass or rest it on the rim as garnish.
Trivia
- What is a Vieux Carré cocktail?
The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail originating from the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans around the 1930s. Named after the French Quarter ('Old Square'), it's a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink known for its complex blend of whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and bitters.
- What does a Vieux Carré taste like?
A Vieux Carré offers a rich and layered flavour profile. It's predominantly spirit-forward with notes of spicy rye whiskey and fruity cognac balanced by the herbal sweetness of vermouth and the aromatic complexity of Angostura bitters. It has a smooth, slightly bitter, and warming finish.
- What alcohol is in a Vieux Carré?
The primary spirits in a Vieux Carré are Rye Whiskey and Cognac. It also includes Sweet Vermouth, which is a fortified wine. Traditionally, it also contains Bénédictine liqueur and both Peychaud's and Angostura bitters, though variations exist.
- How do you make a Vieux Carré?
To make a Vieux Carré, combine rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir the mixture well until thoroughly chilled (about 20-30 seconds). Strain the cocktail into a lowball glass over a large ice cube and garnish with a lemon peel.
- What is the difference between a Vieux Carré and a Sazerac?
Both the Vieux Carré and the Sazerac are classic New Orleans cocktails, but they differ in ingredients and preparation. The Sazerac typically uses rye whiskey (sometimes cognac), Peychaud's bitters, sugar, and an absinthe rinse, served neat without ice. The Vieux Carré includes both rye and cognac, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters (and traditionally Bénédictine and Peychaud's), and is served on the rocks.
- What glass is a Vieux Carré served in?
The Vieux Carré is traditionally served in a chilled old fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or lowball glass. It is typically served over a large ice cube to minimize dilution while keeping the drink cold.