Spirit-Forward · Anytime · Winter

Vieux Carré

Rye and cognac together, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine and two bitters. Rich and layered — the French Quarter's answer to the Manhattan.

Base: Whiskey
Glass: Old fashioned glass
Method: Stir
Strength: 28% ABV

Ingredients

30 mlRye Whiskey1 swap
Bourbonmedium
Sweeter, rounder
30 mlCognac1 swap
Brandy or Armagnachigh
Similar; Armagnac is bolder
30 mlSweet Vermouth1 swap
Any sweet red vermouthhigh
Brand-dependent
1 bar spoonBénédictine
2 dashPeychaud’s Bitters

How to make

Technique

Stir · 20–30s

Stirring chills and dilutes gently while keeping the drink silky and clear.

Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes.
Stir well.
Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Serve

Glass

Old fashioned glassAlso fine: Double old fashioned glass, Rocks glass, Tumbler

Garnish

Garnish with orange zest and maraschino cherry.Orange oil over the surface first, cherry after.

Taste & nutrition

28%ABV

180kcal

2.47Drinks

StrengthBoozy

Sweet to drySweet

Estimated from ingredient amounts and assumed ABVs — not a lab measurement.

Good to know

Stir, never shake — it stays clear and silky.

History

Year1930s

PlaceNew Orleans, USA

Created byWalter Bergeron (Hotel Monteleone)

Walter Bergeron created the Vieux Carré in the 1930s at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar in New Orleans. Rye, cognac and sweet vermouth are enriched with Bénédictine and two kinds of bitters, making a warm, layered stirred drink. Its name means "Old Square," the French Quarter it honours. It is a New Orleans classic to rival the Sazerac.

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