Wednesday, March 5, 2014

The Vieux Carré Cocktail

The Vieux Carré Cocktail

A New Orleans original

Vieux Carré means “old square” in French. It also happens to be what they called New Orleans’ French Quarter back in the day. So when Walter Bergeron invented this cocktail in the 1930s (while tending bar at a hotel in the French Quarter), it was a no-brainer to name it after the Big Easy’s oldest and most famous neighborhood.

The watering hole where Bergeron worked is now called the Carousel Bar. And yes, it resembles (and revolves like) a carnival carousel.

If you’d like to ride the painted ponies, but can’t make it to Nawlins right now, no worries. Just mix up a Vieux Carré Cocktail—and take your palate for a spin.


The Vieux Carré Cocktail

Recipe: The Vieux Carré Cocktail

The Vieux Carré is an enticing blend of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth, livened up with a splash of Bénédictine liqueur and dashes of two different kinds of bitters. It rather resembles a Manhattan Cocktail—but may be even better.

You won’t find the Vieux Carré Cocktail listed in many cocktail books these days, alas. But thanks to Chuck Taggart at The Gumbo Pages, word is getting out. My recipe is very slightly adapted from his.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to make, and serves one.

Ingredients
  • 1 ounce rye whiskey (for this drink, I prefer Rittenhouse 100 Proof Bottled in Bond or Wild Turkey 101 proof, although any good rye will work; see Notes)
  • 1 ounce cognac or brandy (nothing too expensive; a moderately priced brand like St. Remy, Raynal, or Korbel works pretty well)
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth (the red stuff; Martini and Rossi is widely available, and of good quality)
  • ½ teaspoon Bénédictine liqueur (if you prefer a sweeter drink, increase this to 1 teaspoon, which is what Taggart recommends)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • lemon twist for garnish (optional; some people prefer a maraschino cherry)
Procedure
  1. Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir with a long spoon until chilled.
  2. Strain into an old-fashioned (rocks) glass filled with ice. (Or use a cocktail glass—sans ice—if you prefer.) Garnish with a twist of lemon, and serve.
The Vieux Carré Cocktail

Notes
  • Why stir this drinking instead of shaking it? Because all the ingredients are clear—and stirring keeps them that way. When you shake a cocktail, you introduce oxygen into the mix, which clouds the drink. That’s OK when the ingredients are opaque anyway (like citrus juice), but less desirable when they’re see-through. Of course, if some cloudiness doesn’t bother you, feel free to shake away.
  • When using rye in mixed drinks, I prefer a fairly high-proof version that can stand up to the other ingredients. Both Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond and Wild Turkey 101 work wonderfully well in almost any cocktail. Old Overholt, while not as high-proof, also is a good mixer (and easier on the wallet).
  • There are many great boutique ryes on the market these days that are wonderful over ice or sipped neat, but I don’t like them as well in cocktails. Your mileage may vary, of course.
  • You can use either brandy or cognac when you make this drink. Brandy is what happens when you distill wine; cognac is brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. I tend to prefer the flavor profile of cognac, so that’s what I usually buy. But there are some great American brandies available at moderate prices.
  • People often think of cognac as expensive stuff served in a snifter, to be enjoyed after dinner. Although you can buy very expensive cognac that is ideal in that role, you wouldn’t want to waste it on cocktails. 
  • Bénédictine is an aromatic herbal liqueur. Based on the name, you might assume that it’s produced by Benedictine monks. In fact, it was invented in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand, a French wine merchant and industrialist. Le Grand did, however, boost sales by claiming that monks at a Benedictine Abbey in Normandy had developed the beverage. 
  • You’re probably familiar with Angostura bitters (they’re the one brand of bitters that every liquor store stocks), but Peychaud’s Bitters may be new to you. These bright-red bitters are anise flavored, with hints of clove and nutmeg. Any high-end liquor store should carry them. If yours doesn’t, maybe it’s time to find another liquor store—or order them online. This drink just isn’t the same without them. 
  • The Vieux Carré Cocktail isn’t the only New Orleans original we’ve written about. There’s also the Sazerac and the Hurricane. And although not native to the city, the Pimm’s Cup, the Old-Fashioned, and the Mint Julep are also popular in New Orleans. 
  • The creator of this drink also isn’t the only barkeep named Bergeron we’ve written about. There’s also Victor Bergeron (better known as Trader Vic), who invented the Mai Tai, that greatest of all Tiki drinks. Were Walter and Victor related? We have no idea, but it’s an interesting coincidence. 
  • The bar where Walter Bergeron mixed up the Vieux Carré (in the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street in New Orleans) originally was called the Swan Room. The hotel later decked out its bar as a carousel and renamed it. The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge (to use its full name) rotates once every 15 minutes.
  • Programming Note: For the past couple of years, we’ve regularly published two posts a week on Kitchen Riffs, every Sunday and Wednesday. Going forward, we’ll be posting regularly only on Wednesday (once a week). There will still be plenty of weeks with multiple posts, but not as many as in the past. If you’re worried about missing a post, you can find links on this page for subscribing to Kitchen Riffs by email or RSS feed, and for following us on Twitter and Facebook. Just point your cursor to the top of the sidebar on the right, and click on your choice.
The Vieux Carré Cocktail

Dizzy Days at the Carousel Bar

“Wonderful drink,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “And I love the name. Did you know that Tennessee Williams wrote a play called Vieux Carré? It was set in New Orleans, of course.”

“Yes, though I’ve never seen it,” I said. “He named it after the French Quarter—just like this drink.”

“The play is autobiographical,” said Mrs K R. “Which makes me wonder if Williams ever had one of these. He lived in New Orleans around the time the drink was invented.”

“I suspect he did,” I replied. “I know he enjoyed having a sip at the Carousel Bar.”

“William Faulkner and Truman Capote also visited the Carousel Bar,” said Mrs K R. “Or so I’ve read.”

“Other heavyweight authors, too,” I said. “Including Ernest Hemingway. I’ll bet they all sampled a Vieux Carré Cocktail or two.”

“Or in Hemingway’s case, three or four,” said Mrs K R. “Is there any famous bar that Hemingway didn’t visit?”

Well, if not, it wasn’t for lack of trying.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Sazerac
Hurricane
Pimm’s Cup
the Old-Fashioned
the Mint Julep
Mai Tai
Or check out the index for more

114 comments:

Amelia said...

Hi John, I'm back after a short break. That's a very nice and refreshing cocktail. Thanks for sharing. Your pictures is excellent and very impressive. 2 thumbs up for you.

Catch up with your other posting later. Have a nice day.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amelia, glad to see you're back -- I'll check out your blog today. Thanks for the comment.

Ilke said...

I will try to find that bitter and make this for my hubby. Your glass looks great by the way!

Kiran @ KiranTarun.com said...

I'm always in awe of your beautiful cocktail photos!!! Love..

Rocquie said...

What stunning photographs! And I adore that gorgeous glass.
--Rocquie

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ilke, your husband will like this! I love that glass -- it's from my great, great grandmother and over 100 years old! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kiran, it's a challenge to photograph cocktails, but so much fun! And drinking them is even better. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, that glass really is pretty, isn't it? Thanks for the kind words, and for taking time to comment.

Karen Harris said...

Love the glass too! Just perfect for a cocktail from the old south. I bet this one packs a wollop!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I think this one would knock me on my kiester, but it is gorgeous!!!

Juliana said...

Wow, this sounds pretty strong...this cocktail would be perfect after a long day of work...
Thanks for the recipe John, hope you are having a fabulous week :D

Judit & Corina @WineDineDaily said...

The Vieux Carré Cocktail sounds very delicious and looks elegant in your beautiful glass! We so enjoy your cocktail histories and tips.
Cheers,
J+C

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I love that glass!! And of course, I love what's IN the glass, too!! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, this drink is a bit hefty. One of those where one is plenty! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, this does have a bit of alcohol to it. You could easily make one, though, and share with someone. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, this is one of those drinks where one really is enough. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi J+C, it's a great drink. Glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for commenting.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, isn't that a great glass? And the contents are even better! Thanks for the comment.

~~louise~~ said...

Before I forget, I just remembered today is Absinthe Day! Whew! I do believe if there is any carousel riding to be done I would much rather be doing it drinking this classic drink, John. It's a new one to me and I just love new drinks!

Your clicks are as gorgeous as ever and of course what would a sip be without a bit of conversation:) I'll be missing your Sunday posts but there's always Wednesday and those surprise posts in between!

Thank you so much for sharing, John...

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

A classic beautiful cocktail, John. I love that glass too!

Denise Browning said...

Only you, John, to take such pretty photos of drinks...This is beauty in a glass!

Ansh said...

I have to have this!! Stunning Photos! Off to tell the guy to read this up and make some drinks ! Thanks for sharing a wonderful drink.

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

I think this glass of deliciousness is glittering at me, your photos definitely capture its essence :D
Would love to try it!

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Louise, how could I have missed Absinthe Day?! ;-) This really is a delish drink - so worth trying. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lizzy, that glass is definitely a winner. As is the drink! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, this is rather pretty, isn't it? Thanks for the kind words, and comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, you really do need this! Enjoy. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Uru, deliciousness is definitely the way to describe this. And gone, once you start drinking it. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

I learned so much today. Shaken vs. stirred for example. So, the Carousel is still open?? We plan on being in NOLA soon and I will have to seek it out so I can commune with the spirits of these great American authors (and have a cocktail).

~ Nee ~ said...

Hi John , first let me say what a beautiful glass , I will have to try this drink and I know you should only have one if it has if you are using Wild Turkey 101 , 2 or 3 would knock you on your rump ;-D , I think I will stick to Rittenhouse 100 . I will miss your Sunday posts . Remember the birthdays are on a Sunday , John , Louise and Nee , so hope on over on our special day to see what I fixed for us .. Hahaha! I am so bad , thanks for sharing :)

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I want this, but only if I'm in the Big Easy! Looks good John, and sounds like you are taking a bit of time for yourself. I'll miss you though. Hope you are doing something good and fun!

vanillasugarblog said...

As much as I hate to sound like everyone else, but that glass is pretty darn cool.
Super crisp looking too.

Unknown said...

You're so smart about this kind of stuff John. I always learn a lot from you. I love that glass, so pretty!

Zoe said...

Hi John,

I seem to see sparkles in this cocktail in the photo with extremely bright background... I so need to chill out :p

Zoe

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, yup, the Carousel is still open. And the hotel where it's located (Hotel Monteleone) is supposed to be pretty nice. Do let me know if you make it to the Carousel -- it'd be fun to have a report! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nee, I'll definitely be showing up for your birthday party (Louise's too!). So fun we all share the same birthday. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, I am dialing down the blog a bit, at least for now. So many things I want to do, so little time! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, I think half of cocktail photography is actually the drink and the garnish! And of course the pretty colors of the drink itself. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, glad you enjoy yourself here! I sure enjoy writing these posts! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, this drink would certainly help you chill out! It's really great. You might say it sparkles. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Victoria Leddy said...

that glass is exquisite! where ever did you find it? just lovely...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Victoria, the glass came from my great, great grandmother. Where she got it, I have no idea. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Everyday Maven said...

That glass is stunning - is it an antique? It looks like it!

Savor the Best-Pat said...

That is so beautiful! Kudos!

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

What a beautiful drink - and glass! I love this photo very much. It's a good point about stirring, not mixing. I never thought of it. Your recipes have full of useful and detailed info. Very fun to read and learn!

Hotly Spiced said...

I love your glass. It's so pretty with the etched flowers. I'd love to buy a set of those for my husband who love a whiskey in a special glass. This is a wonderful cocktail with a lot of history xx

Rosita Vargas said...

Se ve preciosa la bebida y bien servida una maravilla,abrazos.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Is it happy hour yet??? And love that glass. Beautiful.

Brooks said...

John, you have a great looking cocktail here, and I love the history behind it. It's been pinned for good measure...cheers!

mjskit said...

I want those glasses! But please ship them with this drink included. :) Have never had a vieux carre, but I certainly love the sound of it, especially once you threw in the Benedictine. I probably would use 1 tsp. because I like like my whiskey a little sweet. Great drink John!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Alyssa, the glass is indeed an antique -- well over 100 years old! Some of them are a little chipped, but overall in pretty good shape. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, thanks so much for those kind words, and for taking time to comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, I'm always happy to share what little I know! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, this is the perfect glass for drinking a whiskey! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosita, isn't this a great looking drink? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, it's always happy hour somewhere! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Brooks, this really is a great drink. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, it's always better to ship glasses full rather than empty, isn't it? Less chance of breakage that way. ;-) I know you like an Old-Fashioned from time to time, so I'll bet you would like this just a little bit sweeter. One teaspoon would probably be perfect. Thanks for the comment.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Beautiful pictures and lovely cocktail! Those glasses are so pretty.

Cheers,

Rosa

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosa, glad you liked it! And I love those glasses. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Cathleen said...

I have never made a cocktail before, and I definitely want to make one soon. This looks great!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cathleen, this is a good drink! And if you like rye, you'll love this. Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

So interesting on the reasoning behind stirring vs shaking. Also, I love those glasses. Very fancy.

Julia | JuliasAlbum.com said...

Once again I am amazed at your ability to photograph the cocktails! When I saw this picture, I could literally picture a room filled with smoke from cigars, the plates of grilled steak with gorgonzola cheese on top - just a good old cozy, dark atmosphere of a traditional steak house. :) Wow!

GourmetGetaways said...

Lol! I agree, Hemingway drank in every bar!!!
This looks like a pretty serious drink, I think one would know me over. The flavours look really interesting though, spicy? I'm very curious to try it...

Beth said...

I always enjoy your literary references. Sounds like the Carousel Bar was well-loved.
I'll miss your twice-a-week posts, but am happy you'll still be blogging!

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef said...

I must admit to imbibing on hurricanes last time I was in New Orleans and barely made it back to the hotel. If I'd been civilized and had one of these beauties I would have been fine. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, I often shake things that "should" be stirred, but clear drinks do look better stirred. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julia, it's all the glass. Or the camera. One of the two. ;-) Seriously, thanks for those kind words, and for taking time to comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julie, spicy in that bitters add a bit of spice to drinks (seasoning might be a better term). Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, no danger of me quitting blogging! And the literary references are always fun (but then, I like to read). Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, those hurricanes can be a bit dangerous, can't they? Fun drink, though. But this is a bit better, IMO. Thanks for the comment.

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

I'm not a drinker but I'm sure my husband will love this. Thanks for sharing, John.

Carolyn Jung said...

Wooh -- looks potent, but so good! ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, hubby will enjoy! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this really does have an interesting flavor -- definitely worth a try if you're in the mood for this sort of drink. Thanks for the comment.

Terra said...

Wow, this is one serious drink! I not only love the name, but I also love that gorgeous glass! I need to find that Benedictine liquor, I am very curious! Thank you for sharing, Take care, Terra

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Terra, this drink is definitely on the hefty side. But awfully good! Thanks for the comment.

CQUEK said...

Yes please!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Candy, my feeling exactly! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jessica said...

Oh, I love this cocktail! Rye whiskey and Benedictine gets me every time.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jessica, doesn't Bénédictine add such nice flavor? It pairs so well with rye. Thanks for the comment.

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

As always, you have created a beautiful drink!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, glad you like it! Thanks for the comment.

Bam's Kitchen said...

Deliciously cool and refreshing drink but strong, need to sip slowly. Look forward to hearing from you on Wednesday or my Thursdays. Take Care, BAM

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bam, it does indeed take a bit of time to get through one of these drinks (or at least it should!). And it really does have a great flavor. See you next Wednesday (Thursday!) and thanks for the comment.

Mother Rimmy said...

Wow! This drink is definitely a sipper, no downing this one. I love the presentation. The glass and the color of liquor is so pretty together.

lisa is cooking said...

What a beautiful glass for this drink! This would be a great way to get in the New Orleans state of mind without even leaving home.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, this drink really is kinda hefty, so you're right that it's a sipper. Awfully good, though. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, you're right about getting into the New Orleans state of mind while drinking this! There's a book in there somewhere -- The Moveable Glass maybe? Or maybe not. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

I wanted to include this drink in my book, but it was too perfect just the way it was. All the savory "riffs" I took it on just didn't work. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, isn't this a great cocktail? There are an awful lot of cocktails that can be improved, but this one would be hard to. Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

So, I waited on Sunday for your new post and nothing appeared. Then I realised I hadn't come by for this post and upon reading found out you are doing only one post a week! I see the time is getting the better of you too! I'm so far behind it's not even funny. I can't seem to catch up and that's only doing one post a week myself. Oh well, if I could drink, I'd down a few of these :) It looks gorgeous.

Vicki Bensinger said...

Wow John this cocktail looks beautiful but I'm guessing it's way too strong for me. One sip and I'd probably be drunk.

It's difficult posting 2-3 times a week. So far this year I've had so much going on that I'm finding it difficult at times to take in 2 posts. I will look forward to seeing yours on Wednesdays.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nazneen, there's so much to do, isn't there? And my blog is a hobby, so rather than frazzle myself it seems easiest to cut back, at least for now. One of these days we both may be posting multiple times a week (but don't hold your breath!). ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, this is definitely one of the stronger drinks I make. Worth trying a sip at some point, if you have a chance. And life can really get crazy sometimes, can't it? I have a much more flexible schedule than most people, and I still run out of time! Thanks for the comment.

Gintare @Gourmantine said...

With all the wonderful drinks you've posted here, I've been thinking I'll have a party with friends just to taste them all :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gintare, that sounds like a fun idea! I'm sure you'd have a great time.. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kim Bee said...

Okay so odd little fact about me, I'm a carousel junkie. Not even kidding, love them so very much. I stopped by to see the drink and then smiled from ear to ear to read about carousels. I must see this place John. I had no idea such a place existed. I need to go there, order a drink as fancy as this and cross another adventure off my list.

You photos and recipes are stellar as always. I've never met someone who photographs glass as well as you.

Caroline Taylor said...

Blimey that sounds like quite a concoction! Nice story to go with it too.

easyfoodsmith said...

All the liquor that went into this cocktal is Greek to me since I do not drink :P and although I am totally clueless about this drink it looks pretty amazing :D
p.s.- love that glass

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kim, I haven't been to the Carousel Bar, but it's sounds like fun! Thanks for the kind words, and for taking time to comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, although I certainly enjoy the cocktails, in many cases it's their stories that I find more interesting. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi easyfoodsmith, even if you don't drink, cocktails are fun to look at, and so many have great stories. I got interested in them years before I started drinking them (I used to be primarily a wine and beer drinker). Thanks for the comment.

sprinklesandsauce said...

wow! great cocktail! thanks for the history!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sarah & Arkadi, isn't this great? Wonderful flavor, and the history is fun. Thanks for the comment.

thelady8home said...

This is one of the most glamorous looking drinks that I have ever seen. I don't do hard liquor, so possibly would never be able to appreciate the taste, but would be happy to give anyone company who would, just to be photographed next to it :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Minnie, I really like the way this drink looks too! And even if one doesn't drink liquor, it'd be a pleasure to watch someone sip this. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Beautiful presentation. This one sounds like a sipping kind of cocktail.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this is a pretty heft drink, so I agree sipping is probably the best option. At least that's how I drink it! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

I love your cocktail posts John. The history behind cocktails is so interesting... so many that I've never heard of too (and always accompanied by such striking photography! Love that glass!). I'd like to give this one a go. My husband's a big fan of whisky based drinks (and ones that give you 'your money's worth' in terms of shots!) so I think he'd love it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, I'll bet your husband would love this -- loads and loads of great flavor in this drink. He'll definitely get his money's worth! Thanks for the kind words, and for taking time to comment.

Nusrat Azim said...

Very nice, how much? :) - I meant the drink and the glass! ... Please o please be my neighbor, John. Please!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nusrat, it's be fun to be neighbors! We could swap great food and trade tall tales! This is a super drink -- worth trying sometime. Thanks for the comment.