Bourbon Vieux Carré
A timeless New Orleans classic that beautifully encapsulates the city's multicultural heritage. This sophisticated cocktail masterfully blends American rye whiskey, French cognac and Bénédictine, Italian sweet vermouth, and Creole bitters for a harmonious and richly layered experience.
36%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Vieux Carré was created in 1938 by Walter Bergeron, head bartender at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. Named after the French term for the city's French Quarter ("old square"), the cocktail is a tribute to New Orleans' diverse cultural influences: American rye whiskey, French cognac and Bénédictine, Italian sweet vermouth, and Caribbean-influenced bitters. The original recipe was first published in Stanley Clisby Arthur's 1938 book "Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix 'Em." The cocktail experienced a resurgence during the craft cocktail movement of the early 21st century.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
0.8 oz
0.8 oz
0.8 oz
0.1 oz
2 dashes
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice
Stir until well-chilled, approximately 20-30 seconds
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large, clear ice cube
Express oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink
Drop the lemon twist into the glass
Glassware
Served over a large ice cube in a rocks glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink surface before dropping in
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-quality ingredients - each component must shine in this complex blend
Don't over-pour the Bénédictine - it can make the drink cloyingly sweet
Stirring time is crucial - over-stirring leads to excessive dilution
Always express the lemon peel oils for aromatic complexity
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Bourbon Vieux Carré.
Spicier Version
Increase rye whiskey proportion for more assertive spice.
Changes
Sweeter Profile
Increase Bénédictine slightly for honeyed sweetness.
Changes
Bourbon Vieux Carré
Replace rye with high-rye bourbon for a softer, sweeter profile.
Changes
La Louisiane
A related New Orleans classic with absinthe instead of cognac.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Vieux Carré
Walter Bergeron's New Orleans classic blends rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with dual bitters for a silky, spirit-forward sipper.
Manhattan
The quintessential whiskey cocktail—rye, vermouth and bitters in perfect harmony—serving as the template for a whole family of spirit-forward drinks.
Rum Vieux Carré
A modern adaptation of the classic New Orleans Vieux Carré, substituting aged rum for cognac to create a warmer, sweeter profile that bridges Caribbean and Crescent City influences.