Vieux Carré

 

Story:

The Vieux Carré was created in the 1930’s by bartender Walter Bergeron at the Carousel Bar in New Orleans.  The name means “old square” in French and is a tribute to the city’s French Quarter.  It has become a New Orleans classic cocktail like the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz.  In fact, the cocktail's subtitle is "The Flavors That Made New Orleans".  This is a strong but balanced Sweet Manhattan with a split spirit, Benedictine for honey-like richness, and extra bitters.  I enjoyed my first Vieux Carré, but it grew on me with repeat tastings and has climbed into my top tier.  

Recipe:

1 oz cognac

1 oz rye

1 oz sweet vermouth

0.25 oz Benedictine

2 dashes Angostura bitters

         2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
          garnish: lemon twist

-add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice; stir until chilled
-strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice

-express lemon twist over the drink, then garnish the drink with it.