Vieux Carré (cocktail)

Vieux Carré (cocktail)

The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Named after the French term for the city's French Quarter, it is a potent mix of whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and bitters.

History

The Vieux Carré was first concocted in the 1930s at the historic Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar in New Orleans. The drink was created by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the time. The cocktail was named after the old French term for the French Quarter, "Vieux Carré", which translates to "Old Square".

Ingredients

The Vieux Carré cocktail is made with equal parts rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth. It also includes a dash of Bénédictine, a herbal liqueur produced in France, and two types of bitters - Peychaud's Bitters and Angostura bitters. The cocktail is typically garnished with a cherry or a lemon twist.

Preparation

To prepare a Vieux Carré, the ingredients are combined in a mixing glass with ice. The mixture is then stirred and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. The drink is traditionally served on the rocks, or over ice.

Variations

There are several variations of the Vieux Carré cocktail. Some bartenders substitute the rye whiskey with bourbon, or the sweet vermouth with dry vermouth. Others add different types of bitters or garnishes to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Cocktail (drink)
• New Orleans cuisine