Vieux Carré Please

New Orleans is without a doubt a land of cocktails and the birthplace of many unique and delicious drinks. One cocktail that calls New Orleans home is the Vieux Carré, which was invented during the 1930’s in the heart of the city, the French Quarter.  The Vieux Carré was invented by Walter Bergeron at the historic French Quarter Hotel, Hotel Monteleone.

The Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone has lured guests in from the crowded French Quarter streets to take a spin on their bright and colorful merry-go-round for decades now, but the real treat lies in a glass. Just added by Elements, the Bar Blog, to the “classics list,” the Vieux Carré, a cocktail unique to the Crescent City, ceases to disappoint.  A drink with six ingredients, the Vieux Carré, may appear to be a bit complex for some however, most cocktail enthusiasts insists that once given a try, it will surely end up on your short list of cocktails.

There is no doubt the Vieux Carré has proven to be a success since its very start and continues to draw locals and travelers alike into the historic Carousel Bar for a taste. Give this cocktail recipe a try in your kitchen.

Vieux Carré

• 3/4 oz Rye Whiskey
• 3/4 oz Cognac or good Brandy
• 3/4 oz sweet Vermouth
• (a short) ½ oz Benedictine
• 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

Pour the Whiskey, Cognac, Benedictine and Vermouth into a mixing glass full of ice and shake in the bitters. Stir well for 20-30 seconds, and then strain into an old-fashioned glass half-full of ice (or strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass). Twist a slice of lemon peel over the glass and drop it in. Enjoy.