Vieux Carre

About the Vieux Carre

A New Orleans classic, the Vieux Carre pairs Timber Creek Florida Black Rye Whiskey with Hine V.S.O.P. Cognac (a non Timber Creek spirit used here as a co-primary ingredient) and Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, seasoned with Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters and a touch of Benedictine, stirred and served over one large cube in a chilled rocks glass. The cognac and rye split duty as the drink’s backbone, with the cognac adding dried fruit and oak while the rye brings peppery grain spice, and the sweet vermouth ties the two spirits together with cocoa and raisin notes.

The two bitters layer in anise and baking spice, and the small amount of Benedictine adds a honeyed herbal finish. Timber Creek’s black rye, distilled and blended on the Crestview farm through the distillery’s PureBlend process, holds its own against the cognac rather than fading into a supporting role, giving the drink a distinctly Florida accent within a very traditional recipe. To build it, stir the rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, both bitters, and Benedictine with ice until well chilled, then strain over a single large ice cube in a chilled rocks glass.

No garnish is required, in keeping with the drink’s classic presentation. Its rich, spiced profile pairs well with gumbo, oysters, and duck confit, and it also works nicely alongside pecan pie or shrimp remoulade for a fuller New Orleans inspired spread. Stirring time matters more than usual here, given how many strong ingredients are competing for attention; stir a bit longer than you might for a simpler drink so the cognac, rye, and vermouth have time to properly integrate before the bitters and Benedictine settle in.

It is traditionally served without garnish, letting the color and aroma speak for themselves, though a small piece of lemon peel can be added for guests who prefer a touch of citrus lift alongside the spice. Given its strength, the Vieux Carre is meant to be sipped slowly over conversation; drink responsibly and pace yourself.

A New Orleans classic, the Vieux Carre pairs Timber Creek Florida Black Rye Whiskey with Hine V.S.O.P. Cognac (a non Timber Creek spirit used here as a co-primary ingredient) and Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, seasoned with Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters and a touch of Benedictine, stirred and served over one large cube in a chilled rocks glass. The cognac and rye split duty as the drink’s backbone, with the cognac adding dried fruit and oak while the rye brings peppery grain spice, and the sweet vermouth ties the two spirits together with cocoa and raisin notes.

The two bitters layer in anise and baking spice, and the small amount of Benedictine adds a honeyed herbal finish. Timber Creek’s black rye, distilled and blended on the Crestview farm through the distillery’s PureBlend process, holds its own against the cognac rather than fading into a supporting role, giving the drink a distinctly Florida accent within a very traditional recipe. To build it, stir the rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, both bitters, and Benedictine with ice until well chilled, then strain over a single large ice cube in a chilled rocks glass.

No garnish is required, in keeping with the drink’s classic presentation. Its rich, spiced profile pairs well with gumbo, oysters, and duck confit, and it also works nicely alongside pecan pie or shrimp remoulade for a fuller New Orleans inspired spread. Stirring time matters more than usual here, given how many strong ingredients are competing for attention; stir a bit longer than you might for a simpler drink so the cognac, rye, and vermouth have time to properly integrate before the bitters and Benedictine settle in.

It is traditionally served without garnish, letting the color and aroma speak for themselves, though a small piece of lemon peel can be added for guests who prefer a touch of citrus lift alongside the spice. Given its strength, the Vieux Carre is meant to be sipped slowly over conversation; drink responsibly and pace yourself.