Translating to "old square", the vieux carré refers to the French Quarter, where this cocktail was born in 1938. This is the Manhattan of New Orleans, and I'm going to show you how I make it. Although there are quite a few ingredients in this recipe, it is fairly simple to remember. For the most part, it's equal parts rye, cognac, and sweet vermouth. The benedictine is not quite as much because of the big flavor of the liqueur. Many recipes will in fact call for much less (as little as a dash), but I like the herbal sweetness it offers, and I counter that here with four healthy dashes of bitters.

How to Make a Vieux Carré aka “Old Square”

  • Very, very balanced. You could even call it perfect.

  • Quite rich, almost chocolatey, at first with a nice zing on the back end.

  • Herbal notes thanks to the a healthy amount of bitters & benedictine.

Sips

  • I use 100 proof rye, you don’t have to, but it does cut the richness nicely.

  • Words to live by: “Chill your glass in advance!”

Tips

The Vieux Carré Recipe

  1. Start with a mixing glass.

  2. Pour in 3/4 oz. of your favorite rye whiskey.

  3. Next, add 3/4oz. of cognac.

  4. Then, 3/4 oz. of sweet vermouth.

  5. To this point it is all equal parts but now we will add in just a 1/2 oz. of Bénédictine.

  6. 2 strong dashes each of Peychaud's & Angostora Bitters

  7. Add ice and stir until chilled.

  8. Strain into the chilled glass.

  9. Express lemon oil over top. (optional - garnish with lemon twist)

  10. Cheers!

  • 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

  • 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) Maison Rouge V.S.O.P. Cognac

  • 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

  • 1/2 oz. (15 ml) Bénédictine

  • 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters

  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

  • Lemon twist for garnish

Find some of these ingredients and more as part of my Curiada x Anders Erickson Collection

The Vieux Carré Ingredient List

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