Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is New Orleans' sophisticated answer to the Manhattan and one of America's greatest spirit-forward cocktails. Created in 1938 by Walter Bergeron at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar, this complex stirred cocktail combines rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both Peychaud's and Angostura bitters to create a rich, aromatic masterpiece. Named after the French Quarter (Vieux Carré means "old square"), the drink represents New Orleans' French-American fusion. Served in a rocks glass over ice with a lemon peel, the Vieux Carré embodies New Orleans sophistication, French Quarter elegance, and the art of layered complexity. The drink combines the best of both worlds: American whiskey and French cognac, creating something greater than either alone. The Vieux Carré's herbal sweetness (Bénédictine), wine complexity (vermouth), dual bitters, and blended spirits create a contemplative, sipping cocktail. The cocktail demands quality ingredients: good rye whiskey, quality VS or VSOP cognac, fresh sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both Peychaud's and Angostura bitters. The drink represents New Orleans' unique cocktail culture, the French Quarter's sophistication, and the city's love of complex, spirit-forward drinks. Whether served at the Carousel Bar or a craft cocktail lounge, the Vieux Carré delivers New Orleans elegance.