Vieux Carre Recipe recipe photo - Vieux Carre Recipe by Jan

Vieux Carre Recipe

Published: March 7, 2025 Prep Time: About 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Serves: 1 Difficulty: Easy Category: Beverage Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 1 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz cognac
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1/4 oz Bénédictine
  • 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both types of bitters.
  3. Stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass.
  5. Garnish with lemon twist.
  6. Serve immediately.

Special Notes

The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans cocktail that combines the best of French and American spirits. The combination of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth creates a complex, sophisticated flavor profile that's both strong and smooth. The Bénédictine adds herbal notes and sweetness, while the bitters provide balance and complexity. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy strong, complex drinks and want to experience a piece of New Orleans history. The key is to stir gently to maintain the proper dilution and temperature. This drink is perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the complex flavors.