Everyone knows an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. But who knows a „Vieux Carré“? An established name among bartenders, a rarity among guests. Nevertheless, it is a great classic in the cocktail world.

The story of the Vieux Carrè

Created around 1933 in New Orleans in the French Quarter. This quarter is also known as the „Old Square“. Which means „Vieux Carré“ in French. It was invented by a man called Walter Bergeron. In his day, he was a bartender at the Hotel Monteleone.

The ingredients for the Vieux Carré

The ingredients are a typical reflection of New Orleans in the 1930s. They include French cognac and French liqueur, Italian vermouth, American rye whiskey, Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters. The D.O.M. Bénedictine and the two bitters are fixed in the recipe. However, there is room for maneuver with the cognac, rye whiskey and sweet vermouth. For me, the combination of Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, Jim Beam Rye Whiskey and Antica Formula vermouth is a strong trio. This short drink can be served on ice in a tumbler or straight up in a coupe.

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