Elevate your evening with this Vieux Carré recipe! This sophisticated cocktail is a timeless classic, crafted with rye whiskey, cognac, and a touch of Benedictine.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
222
Ingredients
- 1 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- 1 tsp Benedictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud's aromatic bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes Peychaud's aromatic bitters and 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters to the mixing glass.
- Add Benedictine: Add 1 tsp Benedictine to the mixing glass.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Add 1 oz sweet Vermouth to the mix.
- Add Rye Whiskey: Pour 1 oz Rye Whiskey into the mixing glass.
- Add Cognac: Measure and pour 1 oz Cognac into the glass.
- Stir Gently: Ice up the mixing glass and use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain the mix into the Old Fashioned glass with fresh cubed ice.
- Garnish: Place a lemon twist or cherry into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: Bourbon works well if you don't have rye. It's sweeter and changes the profile a bit, but it's still delicious.
- Cognac: Brandy is a good alternative, although it lacks the richness of cognac.
- Sweet Vermouth: I've used dry Vermouth, but you'll need to add a splash of simple syrup to balance it out.
- Benedictine: You can use an herbal liqueur like Chartreuse, but remember, it's not an exact match.
Making a Pitcher of Vieux Carré:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of cognac, 8 oz of sweet Vermouth, and 8 tsp of Benedictine.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
- Cognac Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brandy substitute.
- Bitters Substitute: Use non-alcoholic bitters or a dash of fruit juice for flavor.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps.
Making it Vegan:
- Garnish: If you're using a cherry for garnish, make sure it's a vegan-friendly brand, as some use non-vegan coloring or preservatives.
What is a Vieux Carré Cocktail?
A Vieux Carré cocktail contains rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet Vermouth with a dash of bitters and a hint of Benedictine. While the name might sound fancy, it simply means “Old Square” in French, a nod to the French Quarter, where the drink originated. This time honored classic is listed as one among “The Unforgettables” by the International Bartenders Association(IBA).
What is a Vieux Carré Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Your Vieux Carré will need the following ingredients:
- Rye Whiskey: Adds a spicy, robust base to the cocktail.
- Cognac: Provides a rich, fruity layer that complements the rye.
- Sweet Vermouth: Balances the drink with herbal and sweet notes.
- Benedictine: Adds complexity with its herbal and spiced flavors.
- Peychaud’s Bitters: Infuses a light anise and floral touch.
- Angostura Bitters: Deepens the flavor profile with its botanicals.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink for a refreshing experience.
- Lemon twist or cherry: Serves as a garnish, adding a final aesthetic and aromatic touch.
