Vieux Carré co*cktail: An Essential Rye Whiskey Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is a Vieux Carré co*cktail the same as a Manhattan? ›

We can view the New Orleans classic Vieux Carré as a manhattan, but it has taken three departures from the classic: its split of rye and cognac; its addition of an herbal modifier in Bénédictine; and its eschewing the traditional co*cktail glass for a rocks glass full of ice.

Traditionally this drink has Benedictine in it, a liqueur made in Normandy, France, from herbs, spices, and saffron. If you don't have it, as I didn't, use yellow Chartreuse or Izarra, a Basque herbal liqueur. Although untraditional, you can also leave it out if it's unavailable.

The name "Vieux Carré" translates to "old square" in French, which refers to New Orleans' historic French Quarter neighborhood. The drink was first created in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, a talented bartender at the Carousel Bar, which was then known as the Swan Room, inside the iconic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.

Straight out of New Orleans, the Vieux Carre is a boozy, sweet, and smooth concoction made with liquors that span the globe. Every ingredient has a role in this complex co*cktail, so it's worth experiencing it both with Angel's Envy Bourbon and our rye (just not at the same time, of course).

Literally meaning “old square,”vieux carré is the French term for the French Quarter, the oldest part of New Orleans.

Vieux Carré means “old square” in French and refers to the city's French Quarter neighborhood.

The Vieux Carré and Manhattan both favor sweet vermouth in place of the sugar cube/simple syrup used in the Sazerac and Old Fashioned. But it's the addition of brandy, which is measured here in equal parts to the whiskey, and—more importantly—Bénédictine that separates this piece of Louisiana history from all others.

In French, this means 'Old Square' or 'Old Quarter' which was the original name for New Orleans' French Quarter.

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What does "vieux" mean? ›

What does it mean? As most people with a fairly basic grasp of French will know vieux (or vieille if you are talking about a woman or a feminine object) means old.

Shaken, not stirred, it's the Vieux Carré co*cktail: 1.00 ounce rye whiskey. 1.00 ounce cognac. 1.00 ounce sweet vermouth.

A top-shelf choice, Woodford Reserve is often revered for its smooth and full-bodied character. With hints of dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of spice, this bourbon adds a layer of sophistication to your Old Fashioned. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more refined and complex co*cktail.

Bourbon or rye whiskey

Consequently, some traditionalists insist an Old-Fashioned should be made with rye, but bourbon is equally correct and the choice of whiskey should be entirely up to the personal taste of the drinker. Bourbon makes a mellow, slightly sweeter drink, while rye adds more spice and kick.

It is but a short time ago that a mixture of whiskey, vermouth and bitters came into vogue. It went under various names - Manhattan co*cktail, Turf Club co*cktail, and Jockey Club co*cktail.

Martinez. This Manhattan variation is a classic in its own right. Made with equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, alongside maraschino liqueur and bitters, the co*cktail is widely thought to be the precursor to the Martini.

co*cktail Basics

In French, this means 'Old Square' or 'Old Quarter' which was the original name for New Orleans' French Quarter. Made up of Benedictine, bitters, rye whiskey, vermouth, and cognac, the Vieux Carre is a wonderful option for imbibers who love both brandy and whiskey and aren't willing to sacrifice either.

The Vieux Carré and Manhattan both favor sweet vermouth in place of the sugar cube/simple syrup used in the Sazerac and Old Fashioned. But it's the addition of brandy, which is measured here in equal parts to the whiskey, and—more importantly—Bénédictine that separates this piece of Louisiana history from all others.