Whiskey Cocktails

The Velvet Hammer: Making the Perfect Vieux Carré

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The Ultimate Vieux Carré: A New Orleans Masterclass in a Glass

If the Sazerac is the soul of New Orleans, the Vieux Carré is its tuxedo. In Episode 54, we are diving deep into this “Big Easy” classic—a cocktail that is essentially what happens when a Manhattan and a Sazerac have a baby. Born in 1937 at the legendary Hotel Monteleone, the Vieux Carré (French for “Old Square”) is a high-proof, split-base masterpiece that every whiskey lover needs in their repertoire.

In this video, we’re putting a “Bourbon Channel” twist on the recipe. We’ve selected Wild Turkey 101 Rye for that signature spice and “Turkey funk” to bridge the gap for bourbon fans. We’re pairing it with the luxurious Remy Martin 1738 Cognac and the nutty, Sherry-based Valdespino Sweet Vermouth for a build that feels like a “Reserve” selection.

Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans cocktail history or just looking for the perfect boozy nightcap, this velvety “velvet hammer” is the one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Rye Whiskey (Wild Turkey 101)
  • 1 oz Cognac (Remy Martin 1738)
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Valdespino)
  • 0.25 oz Bénédictine DOM
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Garnish: Cocktail cherry & Lemon peel

Method:

  1. Combine: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir: Stir well (about 30-45 seconds) to properly chill and marry the Rye and Cognac.
  3. Strain: Strain into a chilled rocks glass (serve it neat or over a large clear ice rock).
  4. Garnish: Express the lemon peel over the top and drop in a premium cocktail cherry.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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Must-Try Fall Cocktail: Toasted Almond Sazerac

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🍂 Toasted Almond Sazerac: A Fall Twist on a New Orleans Classic | Thirsty Thursday Cocktails E45 🥃

Welcome to Episode 45 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Join Rebecca for Part 3 of our Fall Series as we take a trip to New Orleans and elevate the classic Sazerac with a warm, nutty, and seasonally appropriate twist: the Toasted Almond Sazerac!

Instead of traditional rye, we’re using an American Single Malt Whiskey for a softer, nuttier base that perfectly complements the rich Demerara Syrup and aromatic Toasted Almond Bitters. This recipe captures the spirit of Fall with comforting, toasty, and complex flavors.

🌟 The Toasted Almond Sazerac Recipe

A unique stirred cocktail featuring an essential absinthe rinse for that iconic Sazerac profile.

  • Whiskey Base: 2 oz American Single Malt (Yellowstone used for its toasty, nutty, barley notes)
  • Sweetener: 1/4 oz Demerara Syrup (Adds dark sweetness and molasses notes)
  • Bitters:
    • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters (Traditional spice & star anise signature)
    • 3 dashes Toasted Almond Bitters (For those roasty, nutty Fall flavors)
  • Rinse: Absinthe (Neely Family Distillery’s Platinum-winning “Fear and Loathing in Kentucky” used)
  • Garnish: Expressed oils of fresh lemon peel

🍹 Technique Highlights

  1. Combine whiskey, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
  2. Lightly stir to incorporate.
  3. Add ice and stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute.
  4. Perform an Absinthe Rinse ritual: swirl a small amount of absinthe in the serving glass, coating the inside. (Pro Tip: Save the excess!)
  5. Strain the chilled cocktail into the rinsed glass.
  6. Express the oils of a fresh lemon peel over the top and rub it around the rim to brighten the drink.

Next Week:

Don’t miss our Thanksgiving Finale for the Fall Series! We’re creating the Mole Harvest Cocktail—a savory twist on an Old Fashioned using Mole and Aztec Chocolate Bitters!

Remember to always drink responsibly and enjoy your amazing Thirsty Thursday! Cheers!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

#Sazerac #ToastedAlmondSazerac #FallCocktails #WhiskeyCocktails #AmericanSingleMalt #NewOrleansCocktails #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #DIYCocktails #AbsintheRinse #PeychaudsBitters #HomeBar #StirredCocktails #YellowstoneWhiskey