Vieux Carré

Nothing says New Orleans like a spin around the rotating Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, Vieux Carré in-hand.

Here’s the recipe, and photo, of the classic cocktail we had during our delicious adventures at Tales of the Cocktail. This signature drink was invented at the hotel’s bar back in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron, who served as head bartender at the time. It’s one of the most wonderful drinks we’ve ever tasted and upon our return to Portland we immediately began begging some of our favorite bartenders to make it for us.

In my purse, I keep our Hotel Monteleone swizzle sticks from the original Vieux Carré cocktails we had in the picture at left. When our Vieux Carrés arrive, I discretely slip them in when the bartender isn’t looking and we reminisce about our time at the historic hotel.
 

Vieux Carré
1 ounce rye whiskey
1 ounce cognac
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1/2 teaspoon Benedictine
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
lemon peel

Shake with ice. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.