Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor

The Vieux Carré (pronounced VOO ca-RAY) was created in 1938 by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, and takes its name from the French term for “The French Quarter”—le Vieux Carré (“Old Square”). The Monteleone is one of the Quarter’s grand old hotels and features the famous Carousel Lounge, which is an actual revolving carousel; you sit, and it revolves around the bartenders, just slowly enough that you get dizzy from drinks, not the ride).

The recipe smacks of New Orleans history: Rye whiskey floated down the rivers from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky, blended with Cognac and Benedictine in the city’s French tradition. It is rich and delicious! 

While rye is historically accurate—because rye whiskey appeared first—bourbon also works beautifully in a View Carré. Traditionally, it’s served over ice, but it would also be very enjoyable served ‘up’ in a cocktail coupe.

VIEUX CARRÉ
1 oz Rye whiskey (100 proof)
1 oz Cognac VS or VSOP
¼ oz Benedictine DOM
1 oz Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth
1 dash Aromatic bitters
1 dash Peychaud’s bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir for 15-20 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mix into an ice-filled rocks or Old Fashioned glass (preferably over one large cube of clear ice) and garnish with a twist of lemon zest.

About our Cocktail of the Week partners—shop local and independent!
Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor are less than a mile from each other, on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton.

Cooks’ World, in business since 1978, is Rochester’s premier retailer of dining, kitchen, and cooking products, including a complete selection of glassware, mixology tools, and accessories for wine and spirits lovers. Follow Cooks’ World on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up here to receive Cooks’ World’s daily email specials and other news. 

Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, in business since 1997, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of spirits and wine from around the world, with a savvy staff to assist in your selection and encourage you along your cocktail and wine journey. Follow Pinnacle on Facebook and Instagram. For the inside track on Pinnacle’s spirits sales, send two text messages to (585)765-7546:
— Text the word “bourbon,” to receive weekly text messages offering the chance to buy rare or allocated whiskies or special prices on popular products.
—Text the word “spirits,” to receive roughly monthly offers on fine spirits other than whiskies.