Flavorful and sophisticated, the classic Vieux Carré Cocktail is a famous New Orleans drink with a lot of history. Make it to celebrate Mardi Gras or enjoy it anytime as delicious mash-up of the Sazerac, old-fashioned and Manhattan cocktails.
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About this Vieux Carré recipe
Whenever I go out to eat with other people, I love asking everyone at the table what they are going to order. Some people look up the menu before they get to the restaurant, and go in already decided. But not me!
When my husband orders something I was eyeing, I use it as an opportunity to try something totally new. That’s how I ended up trying a Vieux Carré cocktail for the first time — someone else ordered the other drink I wanted to try (and promised me a sip), so I ordered one of these on a whim.
We all know I love to recreate my favorite recipes here on the blog, like these frozen lemon daiquiris I tried last time I was in New Orleans. The Vieux Carré is another cocktail with NOLA roots. Its name is French for the ‘Old Quarter,’ AKA what we’d now call the French Quarter. (I’m craving a beignet right now!)
It’s a whiskey cocktail that’s like a cross between the old-fashioned, Sazerac and Manhattan, as it features rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine (a French herbal liqueur). It’s sophisticated and spirit-forward, and a totally unique drink to try.
Complex yet smooth, the Vieux Carré is a fitting drink to represent New Orleans. When you walk the streets there, it just feels old. This drink sips like a classic with a story to tell.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- The Vieux Carré is packed with rich, layered flavors: spicy rye, smooth cognac and a touch of sweetness from vermouth and herbal Bénédictine.
- It’s a bold yet balanced drink, perfect if you love cocktails with depth and a little kick!
- This New Orleans classic has a cool, old-school vibe, making it a great choice if you’re into timeless, well-crafted drinks.
What is a Vieux Carré cocktail?
The Vieux Carré cocktail (pronounced VOO-kar-ay) is a classic cocktail with New Orleans roots. It’s made with rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine, a French herbal liqueur. Bold and sophisticated, this spirit-forward cocktail is truly one of a kind — just like the French Quarter it was named for.
History
According to New Orleans Tourism, the Vieux Carré cocktail was created in the 1930s at the historic Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street by its head bartender, Walter Bergeron. It was first published in Stanley Clisby Arthur’s 1937 book, Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em. The hotel’s Carousel Bar & Lounge still serves this signature cocktail at its historic carousel-themed, spinning bar.
Tools & glassware
To make the Vieux Carré drink, you’ll need a mixing glass * to stir it up in — this one isn’t shaken so put that cocktail shaker * away! If you don’t have a mixing glass *, just use any sturdy glass or jar. You’ll also want to get out your jigger * and a strainer.
The drink is typically served in a rocks glass *, also known as an old-fashioned glass *. I always make large ice cubes for strong drinks like this, as they dilute slower than small ice cubes. My clear ice maker * is my favorite thing right now!
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Ingredients
Featuring a longer ingredient list of cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine and two kinds of bitters, the Vieux Carré sure packs a punch. Powerful, yes, but it’s not too potent.
You can shop for Vieux Carré cocktail ingredients at your local grocery store and/or liquor store. Here’s what you’ll need to make the recipe:
- Rye whiskey: Rye is made with 51% rye grain, which gives it a spicier, drier flavor with hints of pepper, cinnamon and sometimes a touch of fruitiness. It’s not the same as bourbon, which is sweeter and made with 51% corn, though you could use it in a pinch.
- Cognac: This aged spirit is sweet and fruity. Cognac is aged a bit longer than brandy, so its flavor is a bit more complex, which is why it’s the top choice for this cocktail, but you can use either here.
- Sweet vermouth: Also called red vermouth, this fortified wine has a sweet flavor that complements the whiskey.
- Bénédictine liqueur: Bénédictine is a French herbal liqueur flavored with a secret blend of 27 botanicals, giving it a rich, slightly sweet and spiced flavor.
- Bitters: The Vieux Carré cocktail calls for two kinds of bitters, aromatic bitters (usually Angostura bitters *) and Peychaud’s bitters *. They add their distinct flavors of spices and cherry to the drink.
storing vermouth
An opened bottle of vermouth should be stored in the fridge. It will taste best if enjoyed within a month, but will still taste okay for up to two months. After that, it’s time to toss it and open a new bottle of vermouth.
Garnishes
Some bartenders will garnish the Vieux Carré cocktail with a cocktail cherry * or a piece of lemon or orange rind, but you do you. New Orleans is supposed to be fun and I think that’s no different when it comes to making its famous cocktails!
I also like to use my clear ice maker * to make big ice cubes that don’t dilute the drink as quickly as smaller, regular ice cubes.
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Best spirits for a Vieux Carré
Cognac is a type of brandy, rye is a bit drier than bourbon and sweet vermouth brings the sugar. The bold, spicy character of rye whiskey balances the richness of the cognac and the sweetness of the vermouth and Bénédictine, creating a well-rounded and complex cocktail.
But what makes this drink so complex? That would be the Bénédictine and the bitters. Bénédictine is a French liqueur dating back to the 1500s! The recipe calls for 27 plants and spices and it’s aged for over three years. The three main ingredients are angelica, hyssop and lemon balm.
Bitters were originally used for medicine, and the addition of these two seems to bring a little New Orleans voodoo medicine man magic to this cocktail. Or maybe I’m imagining it!
The two kinds of bitters you’ll need are Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters *, two must-haves for any home bar. Angostura brings notes of cinnamon, cardamom and anise, while Peychaud’s brings the cherry, clove and nutmeg.
Instructions
Step into the bar with me as I walk you through how to make the Vieux Carré cocktail, one step at a time.
Add the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth and Benedictine to a mixing glass.
Add a couple of ice cubes and stir gently. Then strain into a rocks glass * with a large ice cube.
Top with a dash or two each of Peychaud’s bitters * and Angostura bitters, and garnish the drink with a cocktail cherry * and a lemon twist or orange peel.
Tips & tricks
- If you don’t have a mixing glass, a sturdy pint glass or mason jar works just as well for stirring.
- Stir, don’t shake — this cocktail is all about a smooth, silky texture without too much aeration.
- Use large ice cubes or a big ice sphere to slow down dilution and keep your drink perfectly balanced.
FAQ
The name means “old square” in French and refers to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, the birthplace of this classic cocktail.
Yes, but the drink will be sweeter and less spicy — rye’s bold character balances the cocktail better.
There’s no perfect substitute, but you can try Yellow Chartreuse or Drambuie for a similar herbal sweetness.
make a big batch
This drink is a great one to serve a crowd for a party. Mix it ahead of time without the ice and stash it in the fridge. Stir individual servings with ice when ready to serve.
Use the +/- buttons in the recipe below to multiply the ingredients.
Food pairings
Celebrate Carnival season with this cocktail and some delicious holiday treats. The Vieux Carré cocktail would be great with some savory appetizers and dishes, like shrimp hush puppies or popcorn shrimp. For a meal, it would pair well with Cajun spicy tomato soup or some classic shrimp po boys.
You can also enjoy it as a nightcap or with dessert. Try it with some boozy bourbon balls, traditional Polish pączki or delicious New Orleans-style pecan pralines.
And for Mardi Gras, you can’t forget the king cake! You could also make creamy king cake ice cream or a batch of king cake donut holes. Makes me want to go back to New Orleans STAT!
More Mardi Gras drinks
If you enjoy drinks like Manhattans or Old-Fashioned cocktails, you might like a Vieux Carré for something different. Order one on a whim next time you’re at a fancy cocktail bar!
Mardi Gras is right around the corner, and this would be the perfect drink to celebrate with! Or you could try some of the other Mardi Gras cocktails I have here, like these blood orange daiquiris or my friend Chrissie’s grenadine hurricane (that I made for her wedding guests!). Here are a few more to try:
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Vieux Carré Cocktail
ingredients
- ¾ ounces rye whiskey
- ¾ ounces cognac
- ¾ ounces sweet vermouth
- 1 teaspoon Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- 1 piece orange zest or lemon zest, optional for garnish
- 1 cocktail cherry optional for garnish
instructions
- Add whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth and Benedictine to a mixing glass. Add a couple of ice cubes and stir gently.
- Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass. Strain the mixture over the ice. Top with a dash of Peychaud’s bitters and Angostura bitters.
- Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a piece of orange or lemon zest.
notes
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Jenni says
Wow, this is a *serious* cocktail! I normally go for a rocks margarita, but this is calling my name. Very fancy!