De La Louisiane: New Orleans in a Glass

Ingredients

2 ounces rye
3/4 ounce bénédictine
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
3 dashes absinthe
3 dashes peychaud's bitters
Garnish with a brandied cherry

Directions

Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters into a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a skewered maraschino cherry.

New Orleans in a Glass

The De La Louisiane is a sophisticated cocktail that hails from the rich cocktail culture of New Orleans. It's a drink that embodies the spirit of the city with its complex flavors and elegant presentation.

Historical Backdrop

The De La Louisiane, sometimes referred to as A La Louisiane, was the signature drink of the historic Restaurant La Louisiane in New Orleans, which opened its doors in 1881¹. The cocktail is a variation on the Vieux Carré, another New Orleans classic, and was first documented in Stanley Clisby Arthur's "Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix 'Em" in 1937¹².

A Revived Classic

Though the De La Louisiane did not reach the heights of its whiskey-laced cousins like the Sazerac or Vieux Carré, it has been rediscovered and is now made in select bars inside and outside of New Orleans¹. The drink begins with the familiar duo of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, then introduces the herbal flavors of Bénédictine and the anise notes of absinthe, creating a cocktail that is both familiar and unique.

Enjoy your De La Louisiane, a cocktail that's as out-of-the-ordinary as the city it represents!

Best in early-evening aperitif service, just before the meal. 🍸🫒✨