Cheers to a timeless classic with our La Louisiane Cocktail recipe! A blend of rye whiskey, Bénédictine, and sweet vermouth ensures every glass is a treat.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
254
Ingredients
- 1 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Bénédictine
- 3 dashes Peychaud's aromatic bitters
- 3 dashes Absinthe
- Cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer in advance or stir some ice cubes in it to chill it.
- Add Absinthe: Put 3 dashes Absinthe into the mixing glass.
- Add Bitters: Put 3 dashes Peychaud's aromatic bitters.
- Add Bénédictine: Pour 1 oz Bénédictine.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth.
- Add Rye Whiskey: Pour 1 oz Rye Whiskey.
- Stir Gently: Stir the ingredients with ice using a bar spoon.
- Strain: Strain the mixture in your chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Drop a cherry into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: Bourbon is an alternative, although it brings a slightly sweeter, fuller profile to the drink. I've done this when I'm out of rye, and it's delightful!
- Bénédictine: While there's nothing quite like Bénédictine, in desperate times, I've used Yellow Chartreuse. It provides a different herbal complexity but does the job.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can work with simple syrup to adjust sweetness. Alternatively, you can try a different fortified wine for a subtle flavor change.
Making a Pitcher of La Louisiane Cocktail:
- Scale: To create a pitcher for 8 servings, multiply all the ingredients by 8. So, 8 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, and 8 oz of Bénédictine, 24 drops of absinthe and Peychaud’s bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine ice with the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, absinthe and bitters. Stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. Several brands offer varieties that mimic the warmth and depth of whiskey.
- Bénédictine Substitute: Go for a non-alcoholic herbal tea blend that mimics some of the herbaceous qualities of Bénédictine.
- Other ingredients Substitute: Go for no-alcoholic options available in the market.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the original ingredients with these non-alcoholic substitutes, follow the given steps, and savor a non-alcoholic La Louisiane.
Making it Vegan:
- Ensure that the sweet vermouth you're using doesn't contain animal-derived products, as some might use gelatin in the production process.
- Replace the traditional cherry garnish with a vegan-certified cherry to ensure it's free from animal-derived coloring or flavoring agents.
What is a La Louisiane Cocktail?
La Louisiane Cocktail blends rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine with dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters and Absinthe. Historians trace its origins to New Orleans, a city known for its rich cocktail culture. The name itself is a nod to Louisiana’s vibrant history and heritage.
What is a La Louisiane Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready to start mixing together your La Louisiane Cocktail:
- Rye Whiskey: The primary spirit that offers a spicy and robust backbone to the cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine that introduces a sweet, herbaceous quality.
- Bénédictine: An herbal liqueur, it lends a complex, aromatic depth.
- Peychaud’s Bitters: Provides a touch of aromatic bitterness, enhancing the overall balance.
- Absinthe: Used sparingly, it hints at aniseed flavor, making the drink more intriguing.
- Cherry (for garnish): Adds a touch of sweetness and a visual appeal to the finished cocktail.
