Mix up this classic cocktail named after New Orleans’ historic French Quarter for Mardi Gras, or whenever in the mood.

Did you know that Germany is among the countries with the largest and most widespread carnival events taking place?

That said, one of the destinations attracting among the largest numbers of international visitors during the carnival season is New Orleans in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The famous Mardi Gras parades hold on Fat Tuesday usually draw more than one million people to the city.

So, whether or not the event is on your bucket list, today I have a very unique cocktail for you that is as quintessentially New Orleans as the famous Mardi Gras festivities.

The cocktail was created by Water Bergeron at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans in 1938. The name translates to ‘old square’ which refers to the city’s historic French Quarter.

While locally still hugely popular, and essentially a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail, the Vieux Carré is far lesser known internationally.

So, if you happen to visit New Orleans, head to Hotel Monteleone’s famous Carousel Bar at the heart of the historic French Quarter on Royal Street. While you will find the Vieux Carré cocktail on many bar menus in the city, you will not find a more unique scenery to toast the history of New Orleans, in the neighbourhood where it was created.

How to make the classic Vieux Carré cocktail

Complex and fascinating, the Vieux Carré is undoubtedly also one of the strongest cocktails you can mix up. Especially when using a 100%-proof rye whisky.

While similar to the Manhattan cocktail, this one is slightly sweeter, with spicy, citrus, herbal, and smoky notes.

Serves 1

30 ml rye whisky
30 ml cognac
30 ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashed Peychaud’s bitters
10 ml Bénédictine liqueur
lemon slice or twist to garnish

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine all ingredients and stir well.

Strain into an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice.

Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.

Enjoy!