The Vieux Carré Cocktail (pronounced voo-kah-RAY) is a rich, spiced, and deeply layered cocktail born in 1930s New Orleans—and it fits LA like a tailored velvet blazer. With rye, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters, it's for guests who want sophistication with depth. In Los Angeles, this is the cocktail of power diners, art collectors, and late-night thinkers.
The Vieux Carré Cocktail is the kind of cocktail you always find in the best parties.
Ingredients Vieux Carré Cocktail (One Serving)
- ¾ oz Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz Cognac
- ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
- ¼ oz Bénédictine
- 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- Ice
- Old Fashioned glass
- Garnish: Lemon twist
LA Local Tip: For Bénédictine, hit up The Whisky Shop or Domaine LA. Use LA-loved rye like WhistlePig or even Broken Barrel. Pair with elevated LA settings: smoked glassware, jazz playlists, or velvet lounges.
How to Make a Vieux Carré
Combine all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass. Keep in mind this is an essential part of this process.
Stir for 20–30 seconds until silky smooth. This is going to make it mouch easier to mix.
Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. This is also essential as the ice is going to be the refreshing step.
Garnish with a lemon twist to brighten the deep flavors. This is ideal for Vieux Carré Cocktail and other drinks.
Why LA's Cocktail Lovers Are Falling for the Vieux Carré
This drink is perfect for:
- Literary salons in Highland Park
- Film producer meetings in Beverly Hills
- Intimate dinner parties in Laurel Canyon
- Tuxedo-themed fundraisers in Pasadena
FAQs
Is it strong? Yes, but well-balanced. It's spirit-forward, but the bitters and herbal Bénédictine round it out.
Can it be batched? Absolutely. Ideal for high-end events. We pre-mix and pour tableside or from decanters.
Book Party Shakers – Serve the Vieux Carré and Let Complexity Steal the Spotlight