This is a cocktail related to the one in the previous post. This as a rye and vermouth-based cocktail, with cognac as well, is also one of the classics. This cocktail has its roots in New Orleans, like many other classics. New Orleans has been a place where quite a few classic cocktails come from, such as the Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz and the Hurricane. This cocktail is another of the truly classic New Orleans cocktails. While the Ramos Gin Fizz and Hurricane are sours or derivatives thereof. This and the Sazerac are spirit-forward cocktails. The Sazerac is quite close to the Old Fashioned while still having some elements that I’ll talk about further down as being related to New Orleans cocktails according to me. This is closer to the Manhattan, that was featured in the post before this one.

Both the Sazerac and the Vieux Carré have a base of whiskey and they have a Peychaud’s Bitters as well. To me, these two elements are crucial for me to be a spirit-forward cocktail of New Orleans style. Traditionally both was made with cognac, but that has changed. In the Vieux Carré I usually use both cognac and whiskey. Another feature that I make me think New Orleans is absinth, that is used in the Sazerac. It is not necessary for a cocktail to remind me of New Orleans they are not all needed.

The Vieux Carré is like a New Orleans Manhattan, swapping out half of the whiskey for cognac and adding some Benedictine and Peychaud’s Bitters. This cocktail manages to balance the sweetness of the cognac, Benedictine and vermouth against the spiciness of the rye, Angostura and Peychaud’s. While I can appreciate a Manhattan, I would prefer a Vieux Carré. I think this is the best Manhattan/Martini style cocktail that I have had. Usually made in an Old-Fashioned glass and served over ice, I refer it served up in a Nick and Nora glass like the Manhattan.

My Recipe:

  • 1 oz (30 ml) Rye Whiskey
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Cognac
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Sweet Vermouth
  • 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) Benedictine
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Add the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain intoa chilled Nick and Nora glass or an Old-Fashioned glass with ice.