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Vieux Carré

A rich New Orleans classic blending rye, cognac, vermouth, and bitters.

Base spirit
Whiskey
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Rocks glass
Technique
Stir

The Vieux Carré mixes rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters into a deep, aromatic stirred cocktail. It drinks warm, spiced, and full-bodied with layered herbality and soft sweetness.

A Vieux Carré in a rocks glass over a large cube with lemon twist.

Ingredients

Servings
  • • 1 oz rye
  • • 1 oz cognac
  • • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • • 0.25 oz Bénédictine
  • • 2 dashes Peychaud’s
  • • 2 dashes Angostura

Did you know?

“Invented at New Orleans’ Monteleone Hotel, where it remains a lobby-bar staple.”

Source:New Orleans cocktail archives

Bartender's Note

Stir gently to avoid over‑dilution; it’s a dense blend.

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How to make the Vieux Carré

  1. 1Add rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud’s, and Angostura to a mixing glass filled with ice
  2. 2Stir until well chilled
  3. 3Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube
  4. 4Garnish with lemon twist and serve

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