Calories:163
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:20%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Vieux Carré cocktail, which translates to 'Old Square' in French, was created in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. The cocktail is named after the French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré. This classic cocktail is a favorite among whiskey lovers and those who appreciate the rich history of New Orleans.
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
0.75 oz of rye whiskey provides a spicy, grain-forward base that anchors the cocktail. It's not a Vieux Carré without rye's distinctive kick; using less might make the drink too mild, while more could overpower the other ingredients.
Adding 0.75 oz of cognac brings warmth and a touch of fruitiness. Cognac's subtle sweetness helps to balance the rye, and skipping it would strip away the cocktail's soul.
Used in a 0.75 oz measure, sweet vermouth adds an herbaceous complexity and a hint of bitterness, which counteracts the spirits' sweetness. Skimping on vermouth can leave the drink feeling one-dimensional.
At 0.25 oz, Bénédictine provides a whisper of herbal sweetness and mystery. It's the secret handshake of the recipe. Too little, you miss its whisper; too much, and the drink loses balance, overpowered by Bénédictine's loud voice.
Just 2 dashes of Peychaud's offer a subtle floral and anise backdrop. They're like the spice in your grandmother's secret recipe—skip them, and something intangible but crucial is missing.
2 dashes of Angostura bring a complementary botanical bitterness and a layer of complexity. These bitters are like a touch of salt in cooking; without them, the cocktail is left wanting.
The lemon twist, often seen lounging on the rim, adds a zesty aroma which brightens the cocktail, and without it, that top note of fresh citrus is achingly absent.
The cherry is the ruby jewel in the crown, adding a dash of color and a hint of fruitiness if one decides to indulge after the last sip.
A selection of cheeses, particularly those with bold flavors like blue cheese or aged cheddar, will complement the rich and complex notes of the Vieux Carré.
Cured meats such as prosciutto or salami can stand up to the strong flavors and bring out the savory notes of the cocktail.
A piece of high-quality dark chocolate will balance the sweetness of the Bénédictine and bring out the spicy rye tones.
Nuts like candied pecans or spiced walnuts add a sweet and spicy profile that is in harmony with the cocktail's characteristics.
The robust flavors of a grilled steak can hold their own against a Vieux Carré, making for a satisfying pairing.
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This twist introduces a peaty smokiness to the Vieux Carré, lifting it to a more assertive place where the Scotch’s campfire whispers mix with the existing flavors.
This twist marries the Vieux Carré with the Boulevardier, giving it a sweeter, more bourbon-forward profile with a citrus aroma that balances the increase in sweet vermouth.
This herbal overhaul offers a vibrant, herbaceous kick. The Green Chartreuse brings a unique punch, making the drink brighter and bolder.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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The Vieux Carré cocktail is traditionally served in a rocks or old-fashioned glass.
These ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other cocktails like a Manhattan, a Sazerac or a brandy daisy.
A Vieux Carré is a strong, complex cocktail. It is perfect for after-dinner or late-night sipping.
There's no specific occasion associated with the Vieux Carré. It can be enjoyed any time you're in the mood for a rich, strong cocktail.
Absolutely. Quality of the ingredients will directly reflect on the taste of the cocktail. So, using premium liquor and fresh ingredients can enhance the taste substantially.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Creole cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink, with a sweet and fruity base, a hint of bitterness from the Campari, and a warm, spicy finish from the rye whiskey. It is both refreshing and invigorating, making it a perfect choice for a warm summer evening or a lively night out.
The Frisco cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The combination of rye whiskey and Bénédictine creates a rich, warm, and slightly spicy taste, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus tang.
The Sazerac is a complex, strong, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters creates a unique, herbal flavor profile with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Ramos Gin Fizz has a creamy, frothy texture with a balanced taste of sweet, sour, and floral notes. The gin provides a subtle juniper flavor, while the citrus and egg white create a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Milk Punch has a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. The combination of milk, sugar, and spices creates a smooth and velvety texture, while the addition of alcohol gives it a warming sensation.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
The French Connection has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness from the Amaretto. The Cognac adds a depth of flavor and warmth, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It has a tart, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the triple sec, a herbal bitterness from the absinthe, and a crisp, dry finish from the gin.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.
The Americano has a complex and bittersweet taste, with herbal and citrus notes. It is refreshing, slightly bitter, and mildly sweet, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
The Blood and Sand cocktail has a well-balanced, rich, and complex flavor profile. It is both sweet and sour, with a hint of smokiness from the Scotch whisky. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus note, while the sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur provide a smooth, velvety sweetness.
The Rob Roy has a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth. It has a warming and full-bodied mouthfeel, making it a perfect sipping cocktail for colder months.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
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The Red Hook cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture with a hint of spice from the rye whiskey, and a pleasant bitterness from the Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur.
The Rock and Rye cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and citrus flavors. The rye whiskey provides a strong, robust base, while the rock candy syrup adds a touch of sweetness. The addition of lemon and orange peels brings a refreshing citrus note to the mix.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The 1910 cocktail offers a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and bitter flavors. The mezcal provides a smoky base, while the Cognac adds depth and warmth. The maraschino liqueur imparts a subtle cherry sweetness, and the Punt e Mes contributes a bitter vermouth complexity. The Peychaud's bitters tie everything together with its anise and floral notes, resulting in a well-rounded and sophisticated drink.
The Midnight Stroll is a symphony of flavors. It's robust and warm from the rye whiskey, with a pronounced bitterness from the Campari. The Amaro Ramazzotti adds a complex herbal sweetness, while the dry curaçao provides a subtle citrusy backdrop. The Peychaud's Bitters tie everything together with its light anise and floral notes.
