A La Louisiane

A La Louisiane, a classic cocktail with a timeless allure, embodies the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant cocktail culture. This drink, a variation of the renowned Vieux Carré, offers a sophisticated flavor profile that sets it apart in the world of cocktails.

Made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, absinthe, and bitters, A La Louisiane is a symphony of tastes that captivates the discerning palate. What distinguishes this cocktail is its expertly balanced combination of ingredients, creating a bold and complex flavor profile that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and those exploring new taste experiences. It promises a unique cocktail experience that lingers on the palate pleasantly.

History

The A La Louisiane cocktail is a classic New Orleans drink that has been around for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the Restaurant La Louisiane in the French Quarter of New Orleans, which was built in 1881. The exact date of its creation is unknown, but it is believed to have been invented between 1880 and 1912, during the period when absinthe was banned.

The A La Louisiane cocktail was originally called the De La Louisiane and was the house drink of the Restaurant La Louisiane. It was later renamed the A La Louisiane. The cocktail is a variation of the Vieux Carré, which is another classic New Orleans cocktail.

The A La Louisiane cocktail was first mentioned in Stanley Clisby Arthur’s book, “Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em,” which was published in 1937. According to Arthur, the A La Louisiane cocktail was one of the most popular drinks in New Orleans during the early 20th century. It is a strong and complex cocktail that is not for the faint of heart.

How to Make It

Variations

There are several variations of the A La Louisiane cocktail, each with its unique twist on the classic recipe. Here are a few notable ones:

The Maison Premiere Almanac A La Louisiane

This variation uses a blend of rye and cognac, along with Bénédictine, sweet vermouth, and absinthe. It is served in a chilled glass with a lemon twist and is a popular drink at the Maison Premiere bar in Brooklyn.

Joshua Boissy’s A La Louisiane

This variation is a modern take on the classic recipe and uses mezcal instead of rye whiskey. It also adds Green Chartreuse and orange bitters, resulting in a smoky and complex drink.

Krystof Zizka’s A La Louisiane

This variation uses bourbon instead of rye whiskey and adds Punt e Mes, a bitter Italian vermouth, and cherry liqueur. It is served in a chilled glass with a lemon twist.

Jordan Mackay’s A La Louisiane

This variation uses a higher proportion of cognac and adds Cynar, an artichoke-based bitter liqueur. It is served in a chilled glass with a cherry garnish and is a popular drink at the Bar Agricole in San Francisco.

Vieux Carré 

The Vieux Carré cocktail is a classic New Orleans cocktail that was invented in the 1930s. It is named after the French Quarter, which is also known as the Vieux Carré. The cocktail is made with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and both Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.