Vieux Carré

ABV 30.6% / 3 alcoholic units

Primary spirits: Whiskey & Cognac

A Brief History of a Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré (French for "Old Square") was created in the 1930s at the historic Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. Named after the city’s French Quarter (Vieux Carré), this drink reflects New Orleans' diverse cultural influences, blending French cognac, American rye whiskey, Italian vermouth, and herbal liqueursinto a seamless, refined cocktail. It remains a staple of classic mixology, celebrated for its balance of strength and elegance.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Vieux Carré has a rich, warming, and slightly spicy profile, with deep caramel and vanilla notes from cognac, bold peppery spice from rye whiskey, and velvety sweetness from vermouth. The addition of Bénédictine adds a herbal and honeyed depth, while the bitters provide a hint of aromatic complexity and gentle bitterness. This cocktail is smooth yet powerful, with a lingering, slightly sweet, and spiced finish.

Food Pairings

The Vieux Carré pairs well with rich, savoury, and slightly sweet dishes that complement its deep, warming flavours:

• Charcuterie Board – A mix of cured meats, aged cheeses, and nuts balances the cocktail’s strength.
• Duck or Roast Beef – The rich, umami flavours work well with the whiskey and cognac.
• Dark Chocolate & Candied Nuts – The sweetness and slight bitterness enhance the cocktail’s complexity.
• Crème Brûlée – The caramelised sugar and vanilla flavours mirror the smooth vanilla notes in the drink.

Bar Equipment

• Mixing glass
• Mixing spoon
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Rocks glass
• Jigger

Ingredients

• 25ml Rye Whiskey
• 25ml Cognac VSOP
• 25ml Vermouth
• 10ml Benedictine 
• 3 Dashes Peychauds bitters
• 3 Dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: orange twist
• Ice

Method

• Place ice into mixing glass and add all ingredients.  Gently stir of 20-30 seconds
• Double strain into a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube
• Express orange twist over the glass and use as garnish

What's the best Rye Whiskey, Cognac and Vermouth for a Vieux Carré Cocktail?

Best Rye Whiskey:

• Rittenhouse Rye (100 Proof) – Offers bold spice and caramel notes that stand up well in the cocktail.
• Sazerac Rye – A smooth, slightly sweet rye with hints of vanilla and clove.
• WhistlePig 10-Year Rye – A more premium choice, delivering rich oak, spice, and complexity.

Best Cognac:

• Rémy Martin V.S.O.P. – Smooth and well-balanced with rich notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and subtle oak spice.
• Hennessy V.S.O.P. – Smooth and well-balanced with hints of vanilla and spice.
• Courvoisier V.S.O.P. – Rich and elegant with floral and toasted oak notes.

Best Sweet Vermouth:

• Carpano Antica Formula – Rich, vanilla-laced, and slightly bitter, adding depth.
• Dolin Rouge – A lighter, more floral vermouth that enhances the cocktail’s balance.
• Cocchi Vermouth di Torino – Smooth and aromatic with dark fruit and spice undertones.

The Vieux Carré is a timeless New Orleans classic, blending rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth into a smooth yet complex cocktail with spice, sweetness, and herbal depth. Perfect for those who appreciate bold, elegant drinks, this cocktail is best enjoyed neat over ice, paired with rich meats, chocolate, or charcuterie for a refined drinking experience.