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Photograph: Courtesy Brindille
Photograph: Courtesy Brindille

The 6 best Vieux Carres in Chicago

Find the best renditions of this New Orleans cocktail, which combines rye, sweet vermouth and Benedictine

Written by Elizabeth Atkinson
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This rye-based cocktail hails from the Crescent City—a smooth sipper made with Benedictine, sweet vermouth, cognac, Angostura and Peychaud's. We found the city's best renditions of the drink at French restaurants, Southern spots and great cocktail bars.

RECOMMENDED: Our guide to cocktails in Chicago

Best Vieux Carres in Chicago

Vieux Carre at Milk Room

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Loop
Vieux Carre at Milk Room
Vieux Carre at Milk Room
Photograph: Clayton Hauck
Sure, it's the priciest cocktail on the list, but don't balk at it just yet. The ticket-only speakeasy-esque bar serves all of its cocktails with rare spirits, so this Vieux Carre is made with Redemption 8 Year cask strength rye, Henri Beudin 18 Year single cask calvados, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Benedictine and Peychaud's making it the most full bodied and smoothest on the list. It's is an absolute must for any connoisseur of this New Orleans classic. $45. — EA
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Vieux Carre at Moneygun

  • Cocktail bars
  • West Loop
  • price 2 of 4
Vieux Carre at Moneygun
Vieux Carre at Moneygun
Photograph: Courtesy Moneygun

The Vieux Carre at Moneygun is a classic heavy hitter—the cognac-based drink boasts a simple zest of lemon and a block of ice in an antique-style glass. Sitting at the chic Moneygun bar, you’ll be tempted to throw the cocktail back like you’re in an episode of Mad Men. We suggest you savor this one. $10.75. — Laura Rote

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Vieux Carre at Big Jones

  • Soul and southern American
  • Andersonville
  • price 2 of 4
Vieux Carre at Big Jones
Vieux Carre at Big Jones
Photograph: Courtesy Big Jones

Big Jones specializes in cajun cooking, and there’s no better place in the city to partake in this cocktail hailing from the Big Easy. The sweet notes of spice from the Benedictine help to reign in the bold flavor from the rye, which it makes the perfect companion to the menu’s selection of southern cuisine, from pimento cheese to deep-fried catfish with creamy grits. $12. — Rebecca Skoch

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Vieux Carre at Brindille

  • French
  • River North
  • price 3 of 4
Vieux Carre at Brindille
Vieux Carre at Brindille
Photograph: Courtesy Brindille
If you're looking for a night of luxury, filled with amuse bouches and rich French food, head to Brindille. The small dining room has a bar to the right, perfect for grabbing an appetizer and a drink. The Vieux Carre is a solid choice, with Michter's Rye Whiskey, Le Reviseur VS Cognac, Cocchi di Torino Vermouth and Benedictine, topped with Angostura and Peychaud's—it's got a huge hunk of ice to keep the cocktail cold, but we like this one as undiluted as possible. $16. — EA
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Pamphleteer at Farm Bar

  • Breweries
  • Lake View
Pamphleteer at Farm Bar
Pamphleteer at Farm Bar
Photograph: Nathan Borgo
This Midwestern bar offers up its own take on the classic Vieux Carre. This variation keeps some of the original ingredients—rye, bitters—but mixes it up with Mandarine Napoleon,a cognac made with mandarins and Foro Amaro Speciale. It's a fun departure from the standard recipe that respects the basic elements of the New Orleans drink. $12. — EA
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