History & Heritage
“The Rum Vieux Carré is a modern adaptation with no documented historical origin, representing the creativity of contemporary bartenders. The original Vieux Carré was invented in 1938 by Walter Bergeron at Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar in New Orleans, designed to represent the city's multicultural heritage with French cognac and Bénédictine, Italian sweet vermouth, American rye whiskey, and Caribbean bitters. The substitution of rum for cognac is a logical evolution, given New Orleans' deep historical ties to the rum trade and rum's resurgence in the craft cocktail movement. This variation reflects the broader trend of "classic cocktails with a twist" and the growing appreciation for rum as a premium sipping spirit, creating a bridge between Caribbean and Crescent City drinking traditions.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1 oz
1 oz
0.3 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 lemon peel oils over the drink and drop peel in glass
Glassware
Served on the rocks in a double Old Fashioned glass
Garnish
Wide lemon peel, expressed over surface to release oils
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 aged rum that can stand up to the other bold ingredients
Pre-chill glassware for optimal drinking temperature
Stir until well-chilled but don't over-dilute
Express lemon oils properly for essential aromatic lift
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Rum Vieux Carré.
Rhum Agricole Vieux Carré
Uses aged Rhum Agricole for a grassier, more vegetal flavor profile.
Changes
Jamaican Rum Vieux Carré
Uses funky, pot-still Jamaican rum for bold and intense flavor.
Changes
Original Vieux Carré
The classic 1938 version with cognac instead of rum.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
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.
Vieux Carré
Walter Bergeron's New Orleans classic blends rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with dual bitters for a silky, spirit-forward sipper.
Bobby Burns
Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine stirred into a silken, honey‑herbal Manhattan cousin named for the great Scottish poet.