The A La Louisiane cocktail was first introduced in Stanley Clisby Arthur’s 1937 book, “Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em.” Despite its initial popularity, the cocktail faded into obscurity over the following decades until it was revitalized through its inclusion in “The PDT Cocktail Book” by Jim Meehan in 2011.
This book, which compiles recipes from the renowned New York speakeasy-style bar, helped the A La Louisiane make a comeback in select bars both in and outside of New Orleans. Though it hasn’t quite reached the fame of whiskey-rich relatives like the Sazerac or Vieux Carré, the A La Louisiane remains a cherished choice for those fond of Manhattan-style drinks.
The cocktail’s foundation of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth is complemented by the adjustable herbal notes from Bénédictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe, with this recipe guiding enthusiasts to a balanced blend.
La Louisiane Cocktail Ingredients
- Rye Whiskey: 60ml (2oz)
- Sweet Vermouth: 15ml (0.5oz)
- Benedictine: 7.5ml (0.25oz)
- Absinthe: 3 dashes
- Peychaud’s Bitters: 3 dashes
La Louisiane Cocktail Recipe
- Prepare Glass: Chill your serving glass in advance, either in the freezer or with ice water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add 60ml rye whiskey, 15ml sweet vermouth, 7.5ml Benedictine, 3 dashes of absinthe, and 3 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters.
- Stir: Add ice to the mixing glass and gently stir the mixture for about 15-20 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain: Discard the ice from your chilled serving glass and strain the cocktail mixture into it.
- Garnish: Optionally, express a lemon twist over the drink to add a burst of citrus aroma, then drop it into the glass.
A La Louisiane Cocktail – An Old-World Classic
New Orleans boasts a rich cocktail culture, extending beyond its iconic Bourbon Street and beignets to include globally renowned classics like the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz. Yet, one gem often overlooked is the A La Louisiane (sometimes referred to as De La Louisiane).
Originally the signature drink of the historic New Orleans restaurant La Louisiane, established in 1881, this cocktail is a riff on the Vieux Carré. While the Vieux Carré combines rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters, the A La Louisiane puts a twist on the formula. It amplifies the rye, omits the cognac, and adds a touch of absinthe, resulting in a libation both familiar and distinctive.
The La Louisiane Cocktail beckons you to savor the elegance and sophistication it brings to the world of whisky cocktails.
Cheers to the allure of New Orleans and the artistry of crafting a truly delicious cocktail recipe!
