Toasting to Mardi Gras with the Vieux Carré: February’s Cocktail of the Month
As February unfolds, bringing with it the vibrant festivities of Mardi Gras, it’s only fitting that our cocktail of the month pays homage to the heart of the celebration: New Orleans. The Vieux Carré, a storied concoction birthed in the iconic Carousel Bar of the Hotel Monteleone in 1938, encapsulates the essence of the French Quarter, or “Old Square,” from which it derives its name. Much like New Orleans, this cocktail boasts a rich tapestry of flavors, blending the robustness of rye, the warmth of cognac, and the sweetness of vermouth, finished with the herbal complexity of Benedictine and the distinctive bite of bitters.
Crafting the Vieux Carré
To bring a taste of New Orleans’ spirited Mardi Gras into your home, here’s how you can craft your own Vieux Carré:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 ounce rye whiskey
- 3/4 ounce cognac
- 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 tsp Benedictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Cherry, for garnish
Directions:
- Combine the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine in a rocks glass.
- Add ice to the glass, then incorporate the Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.
- Stir the mixture until well chilled.
- Garnish with a cherry, adding a touch of sweetness to the cocktail’s complex flavor profile.
This cocktail is not just a drink; it’s a journey through the soul of New Orleans, embodying the city’s unparalleled blend of culture, history, and revelry.
Celebrating New Orleans’ Cocktail Heritage
For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into New Orleans’ rich cocktail culture, “Shaking Up Prohibition in New Orleans: Authentic Vintage Cocktails from A to Z” explores the Crescent City’s Prohibition-era libations. This compilation, adorned with rich illustrations and whimsical poems, is a tribute to New Orleans’ indomitable spirit and its enduring love affair with cocktails. It’s a treasure trove for anyone captivated by the history and vibrancy of this unique city and its contribution to the world of mixology.
As February’s festivities beckon, the Vieux Carré stands as a testament to the enduring allure of New Orleans and its Mardi Gras celebrations. With its intricate blend of ingredients, this cocktail invites us to savor the complexity and smoothness that mirror the city’s eclectic charm. Whether you’re toasting to love, Mardi Gras, or the simple pleasure of a well-crafted drink, the Vieux Carré offers a sip of New Orleans’ legendary joie de vivre.