Tired of ordering the same old whiskey cocktail at every bar? The Vieux Carré (pronounced “vyoo kah-RAY“) is the sophisticated answer you’ve been searching for.
We’re talking about a drink so layered and intriguing that it makes an Old Fashioned look boring by comparison. We’re about to show you how to create a cocktail that will completely change how you think about whiskey drinks, and yes, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
What Is a Vieux Carré Cocktail?
The Vieux Carré is New Orleans’ best-kept secret – a 1938 creation that combines rye whiskey and cognac with herbal liqueur Bénédictine for a drinking experience that’s part American grit, part French elegance.
Created by Walter Bergeron at the legendary Hotel Monteleone, this cocktail was originally served to discerning travelers who wanted something more sophisticated than the tourist traps offered.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Vieux Carré Cocktail
How to Make a Vieux Carré
- Combine 1 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz cognac, 1 oz sweet vermouth, ¼ oz Bénédictine, and both bitters in an ice-filled mixing glass.
- Stir for 20-30 seconds – you want proper dilution to marry these bold flavors without washing them out.
- Strain over fresh ice in a chilled rocks glass.
- Express lemon oils over the surface and garnish with a twist or a cherry.
Bartender’s Tips
- Tip 1: Don’t cheap out on the cognac – a decent VSOP makes all the difference in the final complexity.
- Tip 2: Fresh vermouth is non-negotiable – if yours has been open for more than a month, replace it.
- Tip 3: The Bénédictine might seem expensive, but a little goes a long way and it transforms dozens of other cocktails too.
How to serve this cocktail
Serve in a rocks glass with one large ice cube – the slow dilution allows the flavors to evolve as you drink. Perfect for those moments when you want to slow down and actually taste what you’re drinking, whether after dinner or during a quiet evening contemplation.
More Cocktail Recipes
Ready to explore more sophisticated cocktails that will impress? Check out our whiskey and cognac collections, or join our weekly newsletter for cocktails that go beyond the ordinary. Our Facebook community is filled with fellow cocktail enthusiasts who love sharing their creations and discoveries.
Vieux Carré Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz cognac
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist or maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Add rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled (about 20–30 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry.
Recipe FAQs
You really need it for an authentic Vieux Carré – available at most liquor stores and online, and once you taste the difference, you’ll understand why substitutes don’t work.
Spirit-forward but surprisingly smooth – the vermouth and Bénédictine tame the alcohol bite while adding complexity. But in general, yes, it may be a bit strong for anyone new to whiskey cocktails.
You could, but please don’t… If you absolutely must, multiply the recipe, add 1 oz of water per serving to account for missing dilution, and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Check to make sure your vermouth is fresh.
It’s an evening sipper – too complex for day drinking, perfect for when you want to slow down and savor something special.
Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Join our community of discerning drinkers – sign up for our newsletter for weekly happy hour inspiration, and don’t forget to join our private Facebook group for exclusive tips and discussions.
