Ah, the Vieux Carré—one sip, and you're transported straight to the heart of New Orleans. 🍸
I remember my first encounter with this classic cocktail. It was a warm evening in the French Quarter, and I was wandering through the vibrant streets, the air thick with jazz and laughter. I stumbled upon a cozy bar with an old-timey feel, and the bartender suggested I try a Vieux Carré. Let me tell you, it was love at first sip!
This cocktail is the epitome of elegance and complexity, just like the city it's named after. It's perfect for those evenings when you want to feel a little fancy, without having to leave your home. Plus, it's a breeze to make! So, let’s get shaking! 🥂
The History of the Vieux Carre Cocktail
The Vieux Carré, pronounced “voh care-ay,” is a classic cocktail that originated in the 1930s in New Orleans. Named after the French Quarter (“Old Square” in French), it was created by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone.
Bergeron crafted the Vieux Carré to reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the French Quarter, blending rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine liqueur, and both Peychaud's and Angostura bitters. Each ingredient represents the rich, eclectic influences of New Orleans, creating a balanced and complex drink.
Today, the Vieux Carré is a beloved classic, celebrated for its historical roots and intricate flavors, embodying the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.
If you're a fan of classic cocktails with a rich history, you might also enjoy exploring seasonal drinks like this Fall Sangria, perfect for cozy gatherings and autumnal celebrations.
How Strong Is the Vieux Carre?
The Vieux Carré is a robust cocktail with a rich blend of flavors, thanks to its combination of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth. With the inclusion of Bénédictine liqueur and bitters, it packs quite a punch. Typically, the alcohol content in a Vieux Carré is around 27-30% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it a strong yet smooth drink that's perfect for savoring.
Ingredients Used to Make Vieux Carre
- 3/4 oz rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz cognac
- 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz Bénédictine liqueur
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How to Make Vieux Carre
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine liqueur, Peychaud's bitters, and Angostura bitters.
- Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish.
And there you have it—a Vieux Carré that's as sophisticated as it is delicious. Whether you're reminiscing about a trip to New Orleans or just looking for a new favorite drink, this cocktail is sure to impress. Cheers to good times and even better drinks! 🥳
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with the ratios to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a stronger drink, add a bit more rye whiskey or cognac.
- Use a high-quality sweet vermouth for the best flavor.
- While you're sipping on your Vieux Carré cocktail, why not pair it with a delicious Vieux Carré pizza? This unique pizza, inspired by the flavors of New Orleans, combines traditional toppings with a twist, making it the perfect complement to your cocktail experience.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
For more delicious cocktails and recipes that will make your taste buds dance, head over to So Damn Delish! Whether you're looking for quick weeknight dinners, decadent desserts, or fun party drinks, we’ve got you covered.
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Vieux Carré: A Cocktail with a Rich New Orleans Heritage
Explore the history and delicious recipe of the Vieux Carre cocktail, a New Orleans classic, on So Damn Delish. Perfect for cocktail lovers and enthusiasts!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz cognac
- 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz Bénédictine liqueur
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine liqueur, Peychaud's bitters, and Angostura bitters.
- Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with the ratios to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a stronger drink, add a bit more rye whiskey or cognac.
- Use a high-quality sweet vermouth for the best flavor.
- While you're sipping on your Vieux Carré cocktail, why not pair it with a delicious Vieux Carré pizza? This unique pizza, inspired by the flavors of New Orleans, combines traditional toppings with a twist, making it the perfect complement to your cocktail experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Coctails
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
