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Everything You Need to Know About Peanut Butter Whiskey
Best Rose and White Wine Pairings
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Travis Scott’s CACTI Agave Spiked Seltzer
The Rise of Online Wine Delivery Services in Chicago
Exploring Buttery Chardonnay: A Guide to the Velvety White Wine
The Benefits of Buying at an Online Beer Store in Chicago, IL
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout: The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience
Beer and Wine Delivery in Chicago, IL: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Discovering Ace Pineapple Cider: Everything You Need to Know
What is Organic Vodka?
Get to Know Clase Azul Tequila
Red or White: Which Type of Wine Is Right for Me?
The Growing Trend of Liquor Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover BuzzBallz: Ready-to-Drink Cocktails That Combine Fun, Flavor, and Convenience
The Ultimate Beer Guide for Your Super Bowl Party
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Wine Store in Chicago, IL
The Benefits of Alcohol Delivery Service
Sipping Made Simple: Alcohol Delivery in Chicago, IL
Top Five Gin Drinks Perfect for Your Next Party
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquor Store in Downtown Chicago
Cheers to Convenience: Why Beer Delivery Service Is A Game Changer
Exploring the Finest Wine Delivery Services in Chicago, IL
Your One-Stop Guide to Buying Liquor in Chicago
Where to Buy Premium Vodka in Chicago
About Traditionally Made Tequila
Alcohol Delivery Service in Chicago, IL: Convenience Without Compromise
The Ultimate Guide to Beer Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover the Best Wine and Spirits in Chicago, IL
Choose the Best Whiskey Store in Chicago, IL
Best Bourbon Whiskey in Chicago, IL
Grand Marnier: The Orange-Infused Cognac That Conquered Cocktails
The Vieux Carré: Mixing The Classic New Orleans Cocktail
What Are Wine Decanters?
Discover Prosecco with Uncork It Chicago
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Everything About Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
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Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé & Blush
Champagne & Sparkling
Dessert & Port
Other Wines
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Red Blends
Pinot Noir
Pinot Grigio
Rose
Malbec
Merlot
Syrah-Shiraz
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
Greece
Portugal
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Wine
Wine Brands
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Bourbon
Whiskey
Tequila
Mezcal
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
Sake
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Spirits
Spirits Brands
Beer
By Type
IPA
Hard Seltzer
Ale
Lager
Pilsner
Stout
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
Domestic Beers
On Sale
All Beer
Mixers/Food/Ice
Mixers
Chips/Snacks
Chips
Crackers
Cheese
ICE
Accessories
Party Planning
Gift Bags
Supplies
Glassware
Barware
ICE
Store Info
Store Info
Location & Hours
Notifications
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
My Account
Order History
Blog
Hennessy Pure White Congnac
Tequila Guide
Top Winter Cocktails
Holiday Gift Guide
Learn About Pino Noir Wine
What To Know About Tawny Port
Cristal Champagne: The Luxury Wine for Special Occasions
The One, The Only: Opus One Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon: Unraveling the Bold Flavors, History, and Best Pairings of This Classic Wine
Exploring the World of Sparkling Wines: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Beyond
The Rise Of The Canned Margarita Cocktails
All About Stateside Vodka and Stateside Cocktails
Spirits 101: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Wine Guide
Learn About 818 Tequila
All About DeLeón Tequila
The Best Cheap Tequilas
Hornitos Tequila
Interested in Angel’s Envy?
Top Whiskey Selections
Everything About Smirnoff Vodka
Everything You Need to Know About Non-Alcoholic Wine
The Art of Pairing Gin with Food: Enhancing Your Dining Experience
Learn About Sunny D Vodka Seltzer
Everything You Need to Know About Peanut Butter Whiskey
Best Rose and White Wine Pairings
Why Chicagoans Are Raising Their Glasses to Alcohol Delivery Services
All About Tequila + The Best Margarita Recipes
Travis Scott’s CACTI Agave Spiked Seltzer
The Rise of Online Wine Delivery Services in Chicago
Exploring Buttery Chardonnay: A Guide to the Velvety White Wine
The Benefits of Buying at an Online Beer Store in Chicago, IL
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout: The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience
Beer and Wine Delivery in Chicago, IL: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Discovering Ace Pineapple Cider: Everything You Need to Know
What is Organic Vodka?
Get to Know Clase Azul Tequila
Red or White: Which Type of Wine Is Right for Me?
The Growing Trend of Liquor Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover BuzzBallz: Ready-to-Drink Cocktails That Combine Fun, Flavor, and Convenience
The Ultimate Beer Guide for Your Super Bowl Party
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Wine Store in Chicago, IL
The Benefits of Alcohol Delivery Service
Sipping Made Simple: Alcohol Delivery in Chicago, IL
Top Five Gin Drinks Perfect for Your Next Party
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquor Store in Downtown Chicago
Cheers to Convenience: Why Beer Delivery Service Is A Game Changer
Exploring the Finest Wine Delivery Services in Chicago, IL
Your One-Stop Guide to Buying Liquor in Chicago
Where to Buy Premium Vodka in Chicago
About Traditionally Made Tequila
Alcohol Delivery Service in Chicago, IL: Convenience Without Compromise
The Ultimate Guide to Beer Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover the Best Wine and Spirits in Chicago, IL
Choose the Best Whiskey Store in Chicago, IL
Best Bourbon Whiskey in Chicago, IL
Grand Marnier: The Orange-Infused Cognac That Conquered Cocktails
The Vieux Carré: Mixing The Classic New Orleans Cocktail
What Are Wine Decanters?
Discover Prosecco with Uncork It Chicago
VMC Paloma: A Mexican Boxing Champion's Premium Tequila Cocktail
Everything About Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
How Did 19 Crimes Go From Convict History to Fan-Favorite Wines?
The Vieux Carré: Mixing The Classic New Orleans Cocktail
When it comes to cocktails with a story, the Vieux Carré has tales to tell. Born in the lively French Quarter of New Orleans, this mix of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine captures the city’s rich history in every sip–which is why the Vieux Carré became known as one of New Orleans’ most notable cocktail contributions.
If you’re ready to shake up tradition,
Uncork It Chicago
has you covered. Swing by
393 East Illinois Street
, where you’ll find everything you need to craft this classic—right down to the finishing bitters.
Vieux Carré Pronunciation
The name Vieux Carré (pronounced "vyo ka-RAY") comes from French and translates to "Old Square," referring to New Orleans' French Quarter. The correct pronunciation connects directly to the drink's French-American origins and its deep connection to New Orleans culture.
The Origins of the Vieux Carré Cocktail
The Vieux Carré first appeared in 1938 at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar in New Orleans. Walter Bergeron, then the hotel's bartender, created the drink by combining American rye whiskey, French cognac, Italian vermouth, and French herbal liqueur. Each ingredient reflected the different cultural influences in New Orleans at the time.
The Carousel Bar, where Bergeron invented this cocktail, continues operating today. The bar itself rotates slowly, completing one full rotation every 15 minutes, and remains a popular destination for this cocktail.
The Vieux Carré Recipe: Ingredients and Method
Required Ingredients
Rye Whiskey: Use a 90-100 proof rye whiskey
Cognac: VSOP grade recommended
Sweet Vermouth: Fresh, properly stored vermouth is essential
Bénédictine: An herbal liqueur made with 27 different herbs and spices
Peychaud's Bitters
Angostura Bitters
Measurements and Process
Standard recipe measurements:
¾ oz rye whiskey
¾ oz cognac
¾ oz sweet vermouth
¼ oz Bénédictine
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
2 dashes Angostura bitters
These specific measurements create the drink's characteristic balance. The equal amounts of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth form the base of the cocktail. The smaller amount of Bénédictine adds sweetness and herbal notes without overpowering the other flavors. The two types of bitters add distinct flavors: Peychaud's provides anise notes, while Angostura adds spice and depth.
Vieux Carré Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
To make an authentic Vieux Carré, you'll need high-quality spirits and liqueurs. At Uncork It Chicago, we stock all the essentials you need to mix this classic New Orleans cocktail. Check out some of the key ingredients available in our store:
Rye Whiskey
:
For a rich, spicy base, we recommend Jack Daniel's Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey.
Cognac:
Add depth
and smoothness with D'usse Cognac VSOP.
Sweet Vermouth:
We stock Gallo Sweet Vermouth, which brings a balanced sweetness to the Vieux Carré.
Bénédictine:
This herbal liqueur adds complexity to the cocktail. Grab B&B Liqueur by Bénédictine from
Uncork It Chicago
, available here:
Mixing Technique
1. Use a mixing glass filled with fresh, clean ice
2. Add ingredients in this order:
Rye whiskey
Cognac
Sweet vermouth
Bénédictine
Both types of bitters
3. Stir for exactly 30-45 seconds to achieve proper dilution and temperature
4. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry (optional)
Temperature and Dilution
The Vieux Carré requires precise temperature control. The drink should be cold (around 21°F/-6°C) but not over-diluted.
Signs of proper dilution include:
Slight frost on the outside of the mixing glass
Liquid becoming slightly viscous
Total volume increasing by approximately 25%
Glassware Requirements
Traditional choice: rocks glass (old-fashioned glass)
Glass size: 8-10 oz capacity
Ideal serving temperature: pre-chill the glass for 2-3 minutes
Common Variations of the Vieux Carré
Spirit Adjustments
High-Proof Version:
Bonded rye whiskey (100 proof)
VS cognac
Maintain original proportions
Cognac-Forward Version:
Reduce rye to ½ oz
Increase cognac to 1 oz
Other ingredients remain unchanged
Modern Adaptation:
Add ¼ oz of dry curacao
Reduce Bénédictine to ⅛ oz
Creates a brighter, more citrus-forward profile
Modern Interpretations of the Vieux Carré
Different bars across the United States serve their own variations:
New Orleans style:
Equal parts spirits, traditional recipe
New York variation:
Often uses more rye whiskey
West Coast style:
Sometimes includes a small amount of orange bitters
Contemporary bars have also created their own versions of this cocktail:
1. Death & Co (New York):
Uses aged rum in place of cognac
Adds a dash of chocolate bitters
Maintains original proportions
2. Arnaud's French 75 (New Orleans):
Specifically uses Sazerac Rye
Increases Bénédictine to ½ oz
Garnishes with both lemon peel and cherry
3.
Attaboy (New York):
Uses armagnac instead of cognac
Incorporates Punt e Mes vermouth
Adds orange bitters
Serving and Storing Ingredients
How to Properly Store the Vieux Carré Ingredients
1. Vermouth:
Store in refrigerator
Use within 4-6 weeks of opening
Keep away from direct light
Note oxidation signs: color changes, flat aroma
2. Spirits:
Store bottles upright
Keep at room temperature
Avoid direct sunlight
Expected shelf life:
Opened rye whiskey: indefinite
Opened cognac: 6-12 months
Opened Bénédictine: 2-3 years
3. Bitters:
Store at room temperature
Keep bottles tightly sealed
Shelf life: 3-5 years
Check dropper functionality regularly
Serving Recommendations
1. Ice Requirements:
For mixing: Fresh, dense cubes
For serving: Large single cube (2x2 inches) or sphere
Ice quality affects dilution rate and final taste
2. Temperature Control:
Ideal serving temperature: 35-40°F (2-4°C)
Glass should be chilled
Total stirring time affects final temperature
3. Garnish Options:
Traditional: Orange or lemon twist
Alternative: Luxardo cherry
Contemporary: None
Each garnish choice affects the aromatic experience
4. Service Timing:
Best consumed within 15-20 minutes of preparation
Ice dilution becomes excessive after 25 minutes
Can be served up (without ice) in a coupe glass
Seasonal Variations of the Vieux Carré
1. Winter Version Specifications
The winter version of the Vieux Carré uses stronger spirits and additional flavoring:
Base spirit: Barrel-proof rye (115-130 proof)
Increased Bénédictine measurement: ⅜ oz
Additional garnish: Star anise pod
Serving temperature: Slightly warmer at 40°F
Ice: Single large cube to minimize dilution
This version works better in cold weather because:
Higher alcohol content provides more warmth
Additional Bénédictine adds more sweetness
Star anise complements the existing spice notes
2. Summer Version Modifications
The summer version focuses on making the drink more refreshing:
Base spirit: Lower proof rye (90 proof)
Ice type: Crushed ice
Optional addition: 1 oz champagne
Serving temperature: Extra cold at 32°F
Dilution: Slightly higher than standard recipe
These modifications make the drink more suitable for warm weather by:
Reducing alcohol content
Increasing refreshment through extra dilution
Adding lightness with optional champagne
Food Pairing Guide for the Vieux Carré
1. Savory Pairings
Cheese Selections:
Aged Comté:
The nutty and salty flavors match the herbal notes of the Bénédictine and the spice from the rye.
Sharp Cheddar:
Bold and tangy, sharp cheddar pairs well with the strong flavors of the rye whiskey.
Blue Cheese:
Rich and creamy, blue cheese complements the sweetness from the cognac.
Meat Pairings:
Charcuterie Platter:
Cured meats like prosciutto and salami enhance the smoky and spicy notes in the cocktail.
Duck Liver Pâté:
The richness of the pâté pairs well with the sweetness of the Bénédictine.
Smoked Meats:
Smoked ham or brisket brings out the oak and spice notes in the whiskey and cognac.
2. Sweet Pairings
Chocolate:
70% Dark Chocolate:
The slight bitterness balances the sweetness from the vermouth and Bénédictine.
Single Origin Dark Chocolate:
Complex flavors from single-origin chocolate match the layers in the Vieux Carré.
Room Temperature Serving:
Serve at room temperature for the best taste alongside the cocktail.
Nuts and Fruits:
Candied Pecans:
The sweetness of candied pecans works with the rich flavors of the cognac.
Fresh Figs:
Sweet figs pair well with the fruity notes from the vermouth and Bénédictine.
Dried Apricots or Cherries: Dried fruits complement the dark fruit flavors in the cognac and vermouth.
Pick Up Your Ingredients for the Vieux Carré Today
Visit
Uncork It Chicago
at
393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611
, where we’ve got everything you need to mix up the perfect Vieux Carré. Our shelves are stocked with premium spirits and our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the exact ingredients, from the rye whiskey to the specific bitters.
Can’t make it to the store? No problem. Head over to
www.uncorkitchicago.com
or give us a call at
(312) 321-9400
. Ready to shake up something special? Get started on your Vieux Carré today!