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Theodore Hawthorne IV bartender portrait

Classic Mixologist · Theodore Hawthorne IV

Vieux Carré

A bitter and herbal spirit-forward built around whiskey, with the classic proportions and service that make the Vieux Carré endure.

“The Vieux Carré rewards precision and exposes improvisation. Fortunately, you have the proper proportions.”
Vieux Carré cocktail served in a rocks glass with lemon twist or cherry

WHY THIS DRINK WORKS

The Vieux Carré works because rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth meet in deliberate proportion. Keep the method stirred, use fresh ice, and give the final garnish enough attention to finish the aroma without distracting from the drink.

Makes1 cocktail
Time5 minutes
GlassRocks glass
FinishLemon twist or cherry

Ingredients

  • 1 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz cognac
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1/4 oz Bénédictine
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Make it

  1. Stir with ice until chilled.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
  3. Garnish with lemon twist or cherry.

Behind the bar

  • Chill the serving glass while you prepare the drink.