A classic New Orleans cocktail, the Vieux Carré mixes rye whiskey, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters. This sophisticated drink is a testament to the rich cocktail heritage of the French Quarter, offering a complex, aromatic sip.
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Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz Cognac
- 3/4 oz Sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz Bénédictine liqueur
- 1 Peychaud’s bitters dashes
- 1 Angostura bitters dash
- Maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish
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 cocktail with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist.
Notes
- Use a high-proof rye whiskey, such as Rittenhouse, to give your cocktail a stronger kick.
- For a smoother finish, use a VSOP cognac.
- Carpano Antica is a popular Italian vermouth to use in a Vieux Carré cocktail.
- To add a tropical twist, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice to your cocktail.
- Absinthe can be used to rinse the glass before pouring in the cocktail for a more complex flavor.
- The Vieux Carré is similar to a Manhattan or a Sazerac cocktail, but with the addition of Bénédictine and Peychaud’s bitters.