Vieux Carré co*cktail: An Essential Rye Whiskey Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is good to mix with rye whiskey? ›

It pairs well with everything from brandy and vermouth to nutmeg and apples. Rye co*cktails are perfect for the cold weather and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. Try something appropriately seasonal like the Mott & Mulberry which features apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon.

We can view the New Orleans classic Vieux Carré as a manhattan, but it has taken three departures from the classic: its split of rye and cognac; its addition of an herbal modifier in Bénédictine; and its eschewing the traditional co*cktail glass for a rocks glass full of ice.

Traditionally this drink has Benedictine in it, a liqueur made in Normandy, France, from herbs, spices, and saffron. If you don't have it, as I didn't, use yellow Chartreuse or Izarra, a Basque herbal liqueur. Although untraditional, you can also leave it out if it's unavailable.

Literally meaning “old square,”vieux carré is the French term for the French Quarter, the oldest part of New Orleans.

Rye whiskey is a classic, American spirit that can bring spicy, bold elements to classic co*cktails like a Sazerac, which is the official co*cktail of the city of New Orleans, or an Old Fashioned, one of the most crowd-pleasing, simple co*cktails you'll ever make.

The primary difference between the two is the mash bill. American rye whiskey must be distilled from a rye mash made from at least 51% rye. The other 49% of the mash bill can be any combination of grains–even more rye. In practice, however, it's usually a combination of barley and corn.

The Vieux Carré and Manhattan both favor sweet vermouth in place of the sugar cube/simple syrup used in the Sazerac and Old Fashioned. But it's the addition of brandy, which is measured here in equal parts to the whiskey, and—more importantly—Bénédictine that separates this piece of Louisiana history from all others.

The name "Vieux Carré" translates to "old square" in French, which refers to New Orleans' historic French Quarter neighborhood. The drink was first created in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, a talented bartender at the Carousel Bar, which was then known as the Swan Room, inside the iconic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.

The co*cktail is a variation on the Vieux Carré, a heady mix of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine and bitters. This variation intensifies the rye, skips the cognac and calls for a few dashes of absinthe, producing a drink that is familiar but unique.

The Vieux Carré is a slightly sweet, spiced, and warming drink with herbal, citrus, and smoky notes. It's similar to a Manhattan but more complex thanks to the cognac, Bénédictine, and two kinds of bitters. It is a truly great co*cktail and one of the signature drinks of New Orleans.

What is the best cognac for Vieux Carré? ›

The Best Cognac for Vieux Carré

Pierre Ferrand Ambre and H by Hine VSOP Cognac are both great options, if expensive. The former has a soft, autumn fruit elegance, without being too sweet, while H by Hine is drier but just as cooperative in a drink like this.

But club soda, sparkling water, or ginger ale would be good too! If you use something sweet like ginger ale though, you may not need as much simple syrup. Now, go burn some rosemary and win your Zoom Holiday co*cktail Party! Cheers!

Start with Neat or On the Rocks

When drinking rye whiskey neat, take small sips and let the spirit linger on your palate to fully appreciate its complexity. If you prefer a slightly diluted and chilled option, try it on the rocks by adding a few ice cubes to your glass.