Vieux Carré
Walter Bergeron's New Orleans classic blends rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with dual bitters for a silky, spirit-forward sipper.
30%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
History & Heritage
“Hotel Monteleone head bartender Walter Bergeron unveiled the Vieux Carré in 1937, naming it for the French Quarter ("old square"). The equal-parts mix mirrors New Orleans' melting pot of French, American and Caribbean influences and has remained a Carousel Bar staple ever since.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
0.8 oz
0.8 oz
0.8 oz
0.3 oz
2 dashes
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice
Stir until well chilled, about 45 seconds
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Garnish with a lemon twist
Glassware
Served over ice in a rocks glass
Garnish
Expressed lemon twist
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
Balance is key with so many ingredients
High-quality cognac elevates this drink
Stir over plenty of ice to avoid dilution shock
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Vieux Carré.
Rye-Forward
Boosts rye to one ounce and reduces cognac for extra spice.
Changes
Bourbon Vieux Carré
Swaps rye for bourbon, yielding a softer, vanilla-accented drink.
Changes
Rum Vieux Carré
Uses aged rum in place of cognac for a tropical bent.
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.
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.