Benedictine

The Vieux Carré is a legendary New Orleans cocktail that blends rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters for a smooth, richly layered drink with hints of spice, sweetness, and depth. Named after the French Quarter, or “Vieux Carré” (Old Square) in New Orleans, this cocktail is a tribute to the vibrant, multicultural history of the city. Invented in the 1930s at the famous Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, the Vieux Carré is a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink that has become a favorite for those who enjoy complex, timeless cocktails. Let’s dive into the history, flavors, and perfect recipe for making this classic drink at home.

The Origins of the Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré was created in 1938 by bartender Walter Bergeron at the Carousel Bar in New Orleans’ historic Hotel Monteleone. Bergeron wanted to craft a cocktail that represented the cultural diversity of New Orleans, blending French, American, and Caribbean influences. By using rye whiskey and cognac together, he created a drink that honored the city’s European and American heritage, while the addition of Bénédictine brought a touch of herbal complexity that adds to the drink’s distinct character.

The Vieux Carré quickly became a staple in New Orleans’ cocktail scene and remains one of the city’s classic drinks. Today, it’s enjoyed around the world for its richness, complexity, and balance, making it a go-to for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate layered, spirit-forward drinks.

What Makes the Vieux Carré So Unique

The Vieux Carré stands out for a few reasons:

• Rich, Layered Flavor Profile: The combination of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth creates a harmonious blend of spice, sweetness, and warmth that’s enhanced by the herbal complexity of Bénédictine.
• Spirit-Forward Sophistication: This is a cocktail with bold flavors and a smooth finish, ideal for those who enjoy sipping drinks with depth and character.
• Classic New Orleans Heritage: The Vieux Carré captures the spirit of New Orleans in a glass, blending influences from multiple cultures to create something uniquely American.

How to Make the Perfect Vieux Carré

Making a Vieux Carré requires a few ingredients and a bit of care to balance the flavors just right. Here’s the classic recipe for this timeless New Orleans favorite.

Classic Vieux Carré Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 oz (3 cl) rye whiskey
• 1 oz (3 cl) cognac
• 1 oz (3 cl) sweet vermouth
• ¼ oz (0.75 cl) Bénédictine
• 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both bitters.
2. Stir with Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned or rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist for a hint of citrus aroma, or add a maraschino cherry for a touch of sweetness.

Tip: Using a large ice cube helps keep the Vieux Carré cold without diluting it too quickly, preserving the cocktail’s rich flavors.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

1. Rye Whiskey: Rye whiskey brings a spicy, slightly peppery edge to the Vieux Carré, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. A good-quality rye, such as Rittenhouse or Sazerac Rye, works well for this cocktail.
2. Cognac: Cognac adds a smooth, fruity richness that complements the rye’s spice. Choose a VS or VSOP cognac for a balanced flavor, such as Hennessy VS or Courvoisier VSOP.
3. Sweet Vermouth: Sweet vermouth provides a hint of herbal sweetness that rounds out the drink’s flavor. Carpano Antica or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino are excellent choices that add depth and complexity.
4. Bénédictine: Bénédictine is an herbal liqueur made from a blend of 27 herbs and spices, adding a subtle sweetness and a hint of complexity to the cocktail. Its unique flavor is essential to the Vieux Carré, so no substitutions are recommended.
5. Bitters: The combination of Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters gives the Vieux Carré a balanced bitterness and aromatic complexity. Peychaud’s adds a touch of floral spice, while Angostura adds depth with hints of clove and cinnamon.
6. Garnish: A lemon twist or cherry enhances the drink’s presentation and adds a light aroma that complements the cocktail’s richness.

Tips for Perfecting Your Vieux Carré

• Stir, Don’t Shake: The Vieux Carré is a stirred cocktail, which maintains its smooth texture and clarity. Stirring also blends the flavors without over-diluting.
• Use a Large Ice Cube: Serving the Vieux Carré over a large ice cube keeps the drink cold and prevents it from becoming too diluted.
• Balance the Flavors: This cocktail should have a balanced flavor profile, so adjust the amount of Bénédictine or bitters if needed to suit your taste.
• Serve in a Chilled Glass: Pre-chilling the glass enhances the sipping experience and keeps the drink cold longer.

Vieux Carré Variations to Try

While the classic Vieux Carré is perfect as is, here are a few variations to explore:

1. Smoky Vieux Carré: Add a splash of peated Scotch whisky or use a smoked rye whiskey to add a subtle smokiness that complements the drink’s richness.
2. Spicy Vieux Carré: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom bitters to enhance the spiciness of the rye and add a warm, aromatic touch.
3. Herbal Vieux Carré: Substitute the sweet vermouth with an herbal amaro, such as Amaro Nonino, for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
4. Vieux Carré Royale: Top the finished cocktail with a splash of Champagne or sparkling wine for a celebratory, bubbly twist.
5. Modern Vieux Carré: Substitute the cognac with bourbon for a slightly sweeter version that enhances the whiskey notes.

When to Serve the Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré’s bold, sophisticated flavor makes it an ideal choice for various occasions:

• After-Dinner Drink: With its richness and complexity, the Vieux Carré is perfect as an after-dinner drink or nightcap.
• Formal Gatherings: This cocktail’s refined flavor profile and New Orleans heritage make it an impressive choice for formal gatherings or dinner parties.
• Cool-Weather Cocktail: The Vieux Carré’s warm, spiced flavors make it especially enjoyable during cooler months, adding a touch of cozy sophistication.
• Cocktail Hour: For those who enjoy classic, spirit-forward cocktails, the Vieux Carré is a fantastic option for cocktail hour or happy hour.

Why You Should Try the Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is a cocktail that captures the essence of New Orleans—rich, complex, and full of character. With its combination of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine, the Vieux Carré offers a deep, layered flavor that’s both intriguing and satisfying. It’s a drink that appeals to those who enjoy classic, spirit-forward cocktails with a touch of sophistication and history.

Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or looking to explore something new, the Vieux Carré is a must-try. Its unique blend of ingredients and timeless flavor make it a fantastic addition to any cocktail repertoire, perfect for sipping slowly and savoring.

So next time you’re in the mood for a cocktail with depth, character, and a taste of New Orleans, shake up a Vieux Carré, raise your glass, and toast to a true classic. Santé!