The Vieux Carre Is A Taste Of New Orleans In A Glass

Like the famed Sazerac, the Vieux Carre draws from New Orleans’ deep cocktail heritage, with rye whiskey as a key player. Both drinks share ingredients like whiskey, bitters, and a touch of sweetness, but where the Sazerac leans into simplicity with absinthe and sugar, the Vieux Carre embraces complexity. By adding cognac, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine, it layers bold, herbal flavors with a smooth, balanced finish.

Vieux Carre Ingredients

• 3/4 oz Rye Whiskey
• 3/4 oz Cognac
• 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1/4 oz Benedictine Liqueur
• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Lemon Peel and Maraschino Cherry for garnish. 

How To Make A Vieux Carre

1. Add rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into glass over ice cubes.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.

If you really want to up the game, lightly express the lemon twist over the top of the glass to release its oils before dropping it in.

Vieux Carre Riff

For a smoky twist, substitute the rye whiskey with a single malt whisky. It adds a layer of complexity that makes this classic cocktail even more intriguing.

Photography courtesy of Adrian Scottow