The La Louisiane cocktail, a sophisticated and potent New Orleans classic, offers a delightful blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, absinthe, and Peychaud’s bitters. This spirit-forward cocktail, with its complex herbal and bittersweet notes, is sure to impress any discerning palate.
What is the La Louisiane Cocktail?
The La Louisiane, also known as De La Louisiane or Cocktail à la Louisiane, originated in New Orleans in the late 19th century. It was the signature drink of the Restaurant de la Louisiane, a renowned Creole establishment that operated from 1881 until 2005. The drink is often described as a cross between a Manhattan and a Vieux Carré, sharing elements with both iconic cocktails. It first appeared in print in Stanley Clisby Arthur’s 1937 book, Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em.
La Louisiane Cocktail Recipe
Here’s a classic recipe for the La Louisiane cocktail:
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce Bénédictine
- 3 dashes absinthe
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- Maraschino cherry or brandied cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
- 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 or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry or brandied cherry.
Variations and Expert Tips
Like many classic cocktails, the La Louisiane has inspired several variations and adaptations. Here are some tips to personalize your La Louisiane:
Adjusting Sweetness
The original 1937 recipe called for equal parts rye, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine. Modern recipes often reduce the vermouth and Bénédictine to balance the sweetness and allow the rye whiskey to shine. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
Choosing Your Rye
The choice of rye whiskey significantly impacts the cocktail’s flavor. Experts recommend a rye that can stand up to the other strong flavors. Some popular choices include:
- Rittenhouse 100 Proof Rye
- Sazerac 6 Year Rye
- Knob Creek Rye
- Bulleit Rye
- Woodford Reserve Rye
Selecting the Vermouth
A quality sweet vermouth is essential for a well-balanced La Louisiane. Consider using:
- Cocchi di Torino: A classic choice known for its balanced sweetness and complex flavors.
- Carpano Antica Formula: A premium vermouth with rich vanilla and spice notes.
- Dolin Rouge: A lighter, drier vermouth that allows the rye to be more prominent.
Absinthe Alternatives
Absinthe’s distinctive anise flavor is crucial to the La Louisiane. If you don’t have absinthe, you can substitute:
- Herbsaint: A New Orleans-made anise-flavored spirit originally created as an absinthe substitute after the spirit was banned in the United States.
- Pernod: A French anise-flavored liqueur.
- Ricard: Another French anise-flavored pastis.
Stirring Technique
As with any spirit-forward cocktail, stir, don’t shake, the La Louisiane. Over-stirring can lead to excessive dilution. Aim for 20-30 seconds of stirring to chill the drink properly without over-diluting it.
Big Batch Preparation
To make a batch of La Louisiane cocktails for a party, combine:
- 6 ounces rye whiskey
- 6 ounces sweet vermouth
- 4 ounces Bénédictine liqueur
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon absinthe
- 1 teaspoon Peychaud’s bitters
Stir well, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and serve in chilled coupe glasses with a cherry garnish.
Similar Cocktails to Explore
If you enjoy the La Louisiane, you might also like these related cocktails:
- Vieux Carré: A New Orleans classic with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.
- Sazerac: Another New Orleans staple featuring rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube.
- Manhattan: A simple yet elegant cocktail with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
- Remember the Maine: A variation of the Manhattan with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry heering and absinthe.
The La Louisiane cocktail is a testament to New Orleans’ rich cocktail heritage. With its complex flavor profile and intriguing history, it’s a drink worth exploring for any cocktail enthusiast. By experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, you can create a La Louisiane that perfectly suits your taste.
