Vieux Carré
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.65 / 5

Created by Walter Bergeron in 1938 and pronounced 'Voo-Ka-Ray', this drink is named after the New Orleans French Quarter and is French for 'Old Square'. Created by Walter Bergeron in 1938 and pronounced 'Voo-Ka-Ray', this drink is named after the New Orleans French Quarter and is French for 'Old Square'.

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Rating

4.65 / 5

Base ingredient

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Cognac

Garnish

Cocktail cherry

Alcohol content

32.65% | 3.2 units of alcohol ^*

Lowball glass

Ingredients

Cognac

Angostura Bitters

Red vermouth

DOM Benedictine

Bourbon

Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters

Serves:

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Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Vieux Carré is a symphony of depth and complexity that captures the essence of New Orleans in a glass, weaving together the smooth, rich notes of cognac and bourbon with the herbal mystique of Benedictine. The balancing act of spicy, sweet, and bitter from the Angostura and Peychaud's bitters against the backdrop of red vermouth creates a cocktail that’s both robust and remarkably sophisticated, inviting sip after thoughtful sip.

Method
How to make a Vieux Carré

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

: In a mixing glass with ice, add all the ingredients and stir until chilled
: Strain into a rocks-filled lowball glass, garnish with a cherry, and serve

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

· Stir · Strain · Garnish ·

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FAQ's

What is the origin of the Vieux Carré cocktail?

The Vieux Carré cocktail originated in the 1930s at the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. The name 'Vieux Carré' translates to 'Old Square,' referring to the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was created by bartender Walter Bergeron as a nod to the city's diverse cultural heritage.

How should the Vieux Carré cocktail be served?

The Vieux Carré should be served in a lowball glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass. It is traditionally garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry, and it is important to serve it chilled but not diluted, which is achieved by stirring the ingredients with ice and straining into the glass.

Can I substitute ingredients in a Vieux Carré?

Substituting ingredients in a Vieux Carré can alter its classic taste, but it's possible based on preference or availability. However, each ingredient plays a specific role, so choose substitutes wisely. For example, you might replace Cognac with another brandy or the bourbon with a different American whiskey, but substituting DOM Benedictine or the specific bitters might significantly change the cocktail's character.

What is the significance of the bitters in a Vieux Carré?

The bitters in a Vieux Carré, specifically Angostura and Peychaud's, add complexity and depth to the cocktail. Angostura provides herbal notes and Peychaud's offers a slight floral and anise flavor. Together, they balance the sweetness of the vermouth and the richness of the Cognac and bourbon, creating a harmonious blend that is integral to the cocktail's distinctive taste.

What makes the Vieux Carré a unique cocktail?

The Vieux Carré is unique due to its combination of spirits and modifiers that reflect New Orleans' multifaceted culture. It's a blend of French (Cognac), Italian (red vermouth), Caribbean (bitters), American (bourbon), and local (Peychaud's bitters) ingredients, making it a melting pot of flavors. Additionally, its creation in the historic French Quarter adds to its allure, embodying the spirit and history of New Orleans in a glass.

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