The Vieux Carré Cocktail: A Classic New Orleans Tipple
The Vieux Carré cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans. It was invented in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the Hotel Monteleone’s famous Carousel Bar. The Carousel Bar is a revolving bar that has been a fixture of the French Quarter since 1949.
The Vieux Carré cocktail is named after the French term for the historic district of New Orleans. The drink is a delicious blend of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and two types of bitters: Peychaud’s and Angostura.
The Vieux Carré cocktail is a complex and sophisticated drink that combines the spicy notes of rye whiskey with the smoothness of cognac and the sweetness of vermouth. The addition of Bénédictine, a herbal liqueur made with over 27 different herbs and spices, adds a complex and aromatic layer to the drink. The Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters add a spicy and slightly bitter finish to the cocktail.
To make a Vieux Carré cocktail, you will need a mixing glass, ice, a strainer, and a chilled cocktail glass. Fill the mixing glass with ice and add the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and Angostura bitters. Stir until well chilled, then strain into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Vieux Carré cocktail has become a classic cocktail that is enjoyed around the world. Its sophisticated and complex flavors have made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders alike. If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant cocktail to enjoy, the Vieux Carré is definitely worth trying.
The Vieux Carré cocktail is a classic cocktail that is a must-try for anyone who loves cocktails. Its complex and sophisticated flavors make it a drink that is sure to impress. Whether you’re sipping it at the Carousel Bar in New Orleans or making it at home, the Vieux Carré is a drink that is sure to please.
Bénédictine
Bénédictine is a sweet, herbal liqueur that originated in France. It is made from a blend of 27 herbs and spices, including angelica, hyssop, lemon balm, and saffron, that are macerated in neutral spirit. The macerated herbs are then distilled and blended with aged cognac and honey to create the final product.
Bénédictine was created by Alexandre Le Grand in the 19th century. According to legend, the recipe for the liqueur was given to Le Grand by a monk at the Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy, France. The monk reportedly gave Le Grand a manuscript with the recipe that had been created by another monk named Dom Bernardo Vincelli in the 16th century.
Today, Bénédictine is still made according to the original recipe and is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, including the Vieux Carré. The liqueur has a complex, sweet flavor with notes of honey, citrus, and spice. It is also often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or used as a digestif.
Bénédictine is often served neat or on the rocks, but it is also a popular ingredient in cocktails. In addition to the Vieux Carré, Bénédictine is also used in classic cocktails like the Bobby Burns and the Frisco.
The Carousel Bar
The Carousel Bar is a famous bar located in the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The bar is named after its unique feature – a revolving carousel that is located in the center of the bar.
The Carousel Bar was installed in the hotel in 1949 and has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The bar is decorated in a classic New Orleans style, with elegant lighting, mirrors, and intricate woodwork. The revolving carousel adds a playful touch to the ambiance of the bar, as patrons can enjoy their drinks while slowly rotating around the center of the bar.
The bar has a rich history and has been frequented by many famous people over the years, including Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Truman Capote. The Carousel Bar has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the HBO series “Treme.”
In addition to the Vieux Carré cocktail, the Carousel Bar offers a wide variety of classic and signature cocktails, as well as beer, wine, and spirits. The bar also serves a small selection of food, including cheese plates and seafood.
If you’re visiting New Orleans, the Carousel Bar is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy a delicious Vieux Carré cocktail while taking in the history and ambiance of this iconic bar!
Tips & Tricks
- Use high-quality ingredients: Since the Vieux Carré cocktail is a complex drink, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Choose a good-quality rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth to ensure that the cocktail tastes its best.
- Use a good mixing technique: When mixing the ingredients, be sure to stir them gently to avoid over-diluting the drink. Stirring the cocktail for about 30 seconds should be enough to chill the drink without adding too much water.
- Chill your glass: Before making the cocktail, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This will help keep your drink cool and refreshing.
- Garnish with a lemon twist: The lemon twist not only adds a nice touch of flavor to the drink but also provides a nice visual appeal. To make a lemon twist, use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to cut a long, thin strip of lemon peel. Twist the peel over the drink to release its oils and then place it on the rim of the glass.
- Experiment with the ratios: The Vieux Carré cocktail is a versatile drink, and you can adjust the ratios of the ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger drink, use more rye whiskey or cognac. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use more sweet vermouth or Bénédictine.
Glassware
The recommended glassware for the Vieux Carré cocktail is a chilled rocks glass or an Old Fashioned glass. This type of glass has a wide mouth and a thick base that can hold ice without tipping over. The wide mouth of the glass also allows you to smell the aromas of the cocktail as you sip it.
To chill the glass, place it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before making the cocktail. This will ensure that the glass is cold when you pour the drink, keeping the cocktail at its optimal temperature for a longer period.
Once the cocktail is ready, strain it into the chilled rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Enjoy your delicious Vieux Carré cocktail in the recommended glassware!
The Vieux Carré Cocktail
The Vieux Carré Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz cognac
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 tsp Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
- Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: Since the Vieux Carré cocktail is a complex drink, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Choose a good-quality rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth to ensure that the cocktail tastes its best.
- Use a good mixing technique: When mixing the ingredients, be sure to stir them gently to avoid over-diluting the drink. Stirring the cocktail for about 30 seconds should be enough to chill the drink without adding too much water.
- Chill your glass: Before making the cocktail, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This will help keep your drink cool and refreshing.
- Garnish with a lemon twist: The lemon twist not only adds a nice touch of flavor to the drink but also provides a nice visual appeal. To make a lemon twist, use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to cut a long, thin strip of lemon peel. Twist the peel over the drink to release its oils and then place it on the rim of the glass.
- Experiment with the ratios: The Vieux Carré cocktail is a versatile drink, and you can adjust the ratios of the ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger drink, use more rye whiskey or cognac. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use more sweet vermouth or Bénédictine.
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