Vieux Carre

The Vieux Carré is a staple of New Orleans and is often associated with the city’s famous French Quarter. This complex and flavorful cocktail combines rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and two types of bitters. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or just looking to try something new, the Vieux Carré is a must-try drink.

Its complex blend of flavors and rich history make it a unique and memorable cocktail that you won’t soon forget. So the next time you find yourself in New Orleans, be sure to stop by the Hotel Monteleone and order a Vieux Carré cocktail.

History

The Vieux Carre cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans in the late 1930s. The drink was created by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the historic Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar. The Carousel Bar was and still is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and the Vieux Carre quickly became one of the bar’s signature drinks.

The Vieux Carre is named after the French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, which is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. The French Quarter is a cultural hub that is known for its historic architecture, music, and food. The Vieux Carre cocktail is one of the most famous New Orleans drinks and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

The Vieux Carre cocktail was popularized in the 1940s by Stanley Clisby Arthur, a New Orleans writer and historian, in his book “Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em”. The book is a comprehensive guide to the city’s cocktails and includes recipes for classic drinks like the Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, and of course, the Vieux Carre.

Overall, the Vieux Carre cocktail is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its complex flavors and rich history make it a must-try for anyone interested in New Orleans culture and cuisine.

How to Make It

Making a Vieux Carré cocktail is a simple process that involves combining a few key ingredients in a mixing glass and serving it in a rocks glass over ice.

Variations

The Vieux Carre is a classic cocktail that has been around for almost a century. Over the years, many variations of the Vieux Carre have been created to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few popular variations that you can try:

New Orleans Vieux Carre

This variation uses rye whiskey instead of bourbon, which gives it a spicier flavor. It also includes Peychaud’s bitters, which is a key ingredient in the Sazerac cocktail.

Sazerac Vieux Carre

This variation uses Sazerac Rye instead of bourbon and includes absinthe, which is a key ingredient in the Sazerac cocktail. It also includes Peychaud’s bitters and Angostura bitters, which give it a complex flavor profile.

Old-Fashioned Vieux Carre

This variation combines the flavors of the Old-Fashioned and the Vieux Carre. It uses bourbon, Peychaud’s bitters, and Angostura bitters, along with muddled sugar and orange peel.

Manhattan Vieux Carre

This variation combines the flavors of the Manhattan and the Vieux Carre. It uses rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine, along with Peychaud’s bitters and Angostura bitters.

Hurricane Vieux Carre

This variation combines the flavors of the Hurricane cocktail and the Vieux Carre. It uses dark rum, passion fruit syrup, and lemon juice, along with bourbon, Benedictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and Angostura bitters.

These variations are just a few examples of how the Vieux Carre can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a spicier or sweeter cocktail, there is a variation of the Vieux Carre that is sure to please your palate.