Buddy and I first tried the Vieux Carré Cocktail (pronounced VOO-kuh-RAY) when we went to a wedding down in Galveston. The bartender asked us what kind of drink we’d like, and we told him we liked bourbon, and he made us this delicious rye whiskey cocktail–not quite bourbon, but close enough!
Although we first tried Vieux Carré in Galveston, this cocktail is a classic New Orleans drink. The cocktail was first created in 1938 by the head bartender in the historic Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. This is a classic American cocktail you don’t want to miss.
Vieux Carré is made using rye whiskey, cognac, Bénédictine liqueur, sweet vermouth, and a variety of bitters. This cocktail has more ingredients than most craft cocktails we make, but the end result is well worth it. Just be sure to measure correctly–this isn’t a drink you want to eyeball! If you don’t get the ratios correct, it won’t taste just right.
Unlike other cocktails we’ve had, the Vieux Carré should be stirred to produce a smoother, silkier drink, as shaking this martini could disturb the delicate ingredients. It is also best served in a coup glass.
I really hope you enjoy this cocktail! If you’re interested in other craft cocktails and martinis like this, be sure to check out Buddy’s Cocktail Bar!
Vieux Carré Cocktail Recipe
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- ¾ oz. rye whiskey
- ¾ oz. cognac
- ¾ oz. sweet vermouth
- 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1-2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- ½ oz. Bénédictine liqueur
- Lemon twist & cherry to garnish
How to Make a Vieux Carré Cocktail
- Fill a martini shaker with ice and add your ingredients.
- Using a bar spoon, stir the martini to mix well.
- Strain into a coup glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Enjoy! 🙂
