BevX Cocktails

Vieux Carré

Named for New Orleans' French Quarter this classic drink is the signature cocktail of the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. This cocktail is a must for anyone seated at the Monteleone's famous Carousel Bar where the bar's seats rotate slowly around the circular bar. Yes, this does create a bit of confusion even for the sober among us. The cocktail was created by Walter Bergeron who introduced the drink 1938 at the Swan Bar at the Monteleone (the Carousel Bar was not installed until 1949). The Vieux Carré is a drink that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

1 oz. Rye Whiskey
1 oz. Cognac (VSOP level)
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica is preferred)
1/4 oz. Benedictine
2 dashes of bitters (Peychaud's if you have it)

Occasion

The grand, old classic cocktail is welcomed at any time but I crave it before I'm going to have a satisfying meal with perhaps slabs of grilled meat!

Method

Add all ingredients along with a large scoop of ice to a mixing glass. Stir well to chill properly and then strain the drink into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry or a lemon twist.

Variations

While I don't recommend wandering too far from the original recipe many variations abound including this one. Be careful with the Benedictine as without it the cocktail is not right but add too much Benedictine and the other players will be lost. This drink can be served up or on the rocks.

Source: classic