QDP accused me of breaking the “no Manhattan” rule, which includes Manhattans and all Manhattan derivatives (On the Rise, 6th Borough, Dewey D, etc) last night. Partly because he took a sip and immediately said Yum and second when I told him the ingredients he said it was basically a Manhattan. True enough, it’s a mix of rye, cognac, and sweet vermouth in about the same proportions as a Manhattan, but I maintain that I followed the spirit of the rule rather than the letter. While this thing really looks like a Manhattan on paper the addition of the lemon twist alone transforms this drink from Manhattan derivative to a year-round sipper that can satisfy in July as well as December. Besides, as a friend mentioned to me “this is a drink that was invented in and that they have all year round in New Orleans and it’s one of the hottest places to live.”
Vieux Carre
1 oz rye
1oz cognac
1 oz sweet vermouth
1/2 tsp Benedictine
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Lemon twist
Shake (I stir) with ice and strain. Garnish with lemon twist.
These ingredients mixed together should taste heavier than they do. I really think it’s that citrus from the lemon that makes this so refreshing but I also find Peychaud’s to be a deliciously sweet bitter if there is such a thing and that could be a contributor.
And if QDP is right and this thing is just a Manhattan derivative then the only thing I can say is that there are exceptions to just about every rule.
