in Recipe, Benedictine, Cognac, Drinks, Vermouth, Whiskey
byPaul Kushner0 Comments
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Welcome to the world of classic co*cktails! Ever heard of the Vieux Carré? It’s a fancy name for a drink that’s easy to love. This co*cktail is like a little trip to New Orleans in a glass. It’s perfect for when you want something special. Ready to mix up your own? Let’s get started!
Tasting Notes
The Vieux Carré is a mix of sweet, strong, and herbal flavors. It’s got whiskey, which brings a warm, cozy taste. The cognac adds a touch of elegance, and the sweet vermouth balances it all out with a little sweetness. Don’t forget the herbal notes from Benedictine and the bitters. It’s a co*cktail that’s complex but super enjoyable.
Ingredients
To make a Vieux Carré, you’ll need:
- ¾ oz rye whiskey
- ¾ oz cognac
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- 1 tsp Benedictine liqueur
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Grab a mixing glass.
- Add the whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and both types of bitters.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
- Strain the drink into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to stir, not shake. This keeps the drink smooth.
- Use large ice cubes in your glass to keep it cool without watering it down too much.
- A lemon twist isn’t just for looks – it adds a fresh scent.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the best Vieux Carré, try these brands:
- Whiskey: Rittenhouse Rye or Bulleit Rye
- Cognac: Courvoisier or Hennessy
- Sweet Vermouth: Martini Rosso or Dolin Rouge
- Benedictine: The original Benedictine liqueur is perfect
Similar co*cktails
If you like the Vieux Carré, try these:
- Manhattan: Another classic with whiskey and sweet vermouth.
- Sazerac: A New Orleans favorite with rye whiskey and a hint of absinthe.
- Negroni: An Italian twist with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
- Old Fashioned: Simple and elegant with whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
- Boulevardier: made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
History
The Vieux Carré was created in the 1930s at the Carousel Bar in New Orleans. Its name means “Old Square,” which is what the French Quarter was called. This co*cktail captures the spirit of New Orleans with its blend of local and international flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bourbon instead of rye?
A: Yes, but rye gives a spicier taste which is classic for this drink.
Q: Is it a strong drink?
A: Yes, it’s on the stronger side because of the mix of spirits.
Q: Can I make it sweeter?
A: Sure, try adding a bit more Benedictine or sweet vermouth for extra sweetness.
Now that you know all about the Vieux Carré, it’s time to mix one up and enjoy! Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors. Cheers!
Vieux Carre Recipe
Paul Kushner
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect Vieux Carré co*cktail:
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine French
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz rye whiskey
- 3/4 0 z cognac
- 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz Bénédictine liqueur
- 1 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 1 Dash Angostura bitters
- Garnish: maraschino cherry or lemon twist
Instructions
Combine the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir the mixture for about 30-45 seconds until it is well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish the co*cktail with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist.
Notes
Tips
- Use a high-proof rye whiskey, such as Rittenhouse, to give your co*cktail a stronger kick.
- For a smoother finish, use a VSOP cognac.
- Carpano Antica is a popular Italian vermouth to use in a Vieux Carré co*cktail.
- To add a tropical twist, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice to your co*cktail.
- Absinthe can be used to rinse the glass before pouring in the co*cktail for a more complex flavor.
- The Vieux Carré is similar to a Manhattan or a Sazerac co*cktail, but with the addition of Bénédictine and Peychaud’s bitters.
Keyword Cognac, New Orleans co*cktails, Rye Whiskey, strong drinks, Vieux Carre
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Written by Paul Kushner
Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.
In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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