DIY Gift idea: Batch Cocktails ft. Christmas in The Vieux Carré

Sometimes after a long day of being parked in front of our computers on meetings, the idea of pulling out our mixing glass, jigger, several bottles, ice, etc etc can be overwhelming. This is where batched cocktails are such a huge win and also such a wonderful gift. With any spirit only cocktail, the entire concoction can be made well in advance, slightly pre-diluted, and simply become a pour over ice affair! Amazing!

During this time of the year Andrea is usually traveling to New Orleans to spend time with family for Christmas. With COVID restrictions in California and other 2020 complexities we’ve decided to take the safe approach to stay home, so for this holiday season we have a slamming recipe on honor of New Orleans. We’ve added something special to the NOLA classic The Vieux Carré - to us the perfect in-between for the Manhattan and Old Fashioned, and with one slight adjustment, it really tastes like the holidays. Recipe below! Or check out the story pin here! 

Christmas in the Vieux Carré Batch Cocktail

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

•3/4 cup Rye whiskey - we used Bulleit

•3/4 cup Cognac - we used Hennessy 

•3/4 cup Sweet Vermouth - we used Carpano Antica

•1.5oz Benedictine

•0.75oz water - for dilution

•8-10 dashes of Peychaud’s Aromatic Bitters

•4-6 dashes of cardamom bitters - we used Dashfire

Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to large pourable vessel 

Step 2: Stir until blended

Step 3: Pour into clean bottle - we recommend using a funnel for this

Step 4: Enjoy! We recommend pouring into a chilled old fashioned glass over one large cube, expressing a lemon peel over the top, and garnishing with a maraschino cherry and sprig of rosemary!