La Louisiane
La Louisiane is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans. It masterfully blends the spiciness of rye whiskey with the sweetness of Italian vermouth and the herbal complexity of Bénédictine liqueur. A rinse of absinthe provides an aromatic anise note, while Peychaud's bitters add a final Creole touch. The result is a richly layered and contemplative drink, perfect for sipping slowly.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
La Louisiane is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the family of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, similar to the Manhattan or Vieux Carré. It functions well as an aperitif due to its complex, herbal profile.
Serving
The La Louisiane is a strong, cold cocktail served "up" without ice in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It has a significant alcohol content, making it a well-balanced sipping drink.
Serving size
Approximately 90-100 ml / 3-3.5 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Nick & Nora
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The La Louisiane cocktail was the signature drink of Restaurant La Louisiane in New Orleans' French Quarter. The restaurant opened in the late 19th century, and the drink likely dates to the early 20th century, a golden era for cocktails in the city. For a time, the recipe was lost, but it was rediscovered and revived by cocktail historians and bartenders, restoring its place among the great New Orleans classics.
Origin
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, circa early 20th century.
La Louisiane
The drink is primarily known as La Louisiane. It is sometimes referred to by its longer, original name, "Cocktail à la Louisiane," or the shortened "De La Louisiane." These names all refer to its origin and namesake, the famous New Orleans restaurant.
Original name
La Louisiane
Alternative names
- Cocktail à la Louisiane
- De La Louisiane
Characteristics overview
This cocktail presents a complex herbal and spicy flavor profile with a prominent anise aroma from the absinthe. It has a silky texture and a long, warming finish, making it a sophisticated sipping experience.
Flavor
Herbal, spicy, sweet, complex, anise, stone fruit
Aroma
Anise, herbs, spice, sweet whiskey
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and bitter, with spicy and herbal notes
Aftertaste
Long, warming, herbal, slightly bitter
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Deep amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, viscous
Seasonality
Warming, suitable for all seasons but particularly cozy in autumn and winter
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intense and complex, with a notable bitterness from bitters and herbs, balanced by sweetness from the vermouth and Bénédictine. The alcohol strength is pronounced but well-integrated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires five key ingredients: spicy rye whiskey as the base, complemented by sweet vermouth, herbal Bénédictine liqueur, aromatic absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters.
- Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ozA high-proof (around 100 proof / 50% ABV) rye is recommended to stand up to the other ingredients.
- Sweet Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 ozA quality Italian-style sweet vermouth works best.
- Bénédictine D.O.M.22.5 ml / 0.75 ozThis specific French herbal liqueur is essential for the cocktail's unique flavor.
- Absinthe1 bar spoon or rinseUsed to rinse the glass for a subtle aroma, or added directly for a more pronounced flavor.
- Peychaud's Bitters3 dashesThe traditional New Orleans bitters; essential for authenticity.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for stirring
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard stirring set: a mixing glass, a jigger for precise measurements, a long bar spoon, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate liquid measurements.
- Bar spoon for stirring the cocktail.
- Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for separating the drink from the ice.
Instructions
The drink is built by stirring rye, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters with ice, then straining into a chilled, absinthe-rinsed coupe glass. A cherry garnish completes the presentation.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in a freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the absinthe rinse. Add a bar spoon of absinthe to the chilled glass, swirl it around to coat the entire inner surface, then discard the excess liquid.
3. Combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and Peychaud's bitters in a mixing glass.
4. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cold cubed ice.
5. Stir with a bar spoon smoothly and consistently for about 20-30 seconds, until the drink is well-chilled and properly diluted.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into your prepared, absinthe-rinsed serving glass.
7. Garnish by dropping a high-quality maraschino or brandied cherry into the drink.
8. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
Garnish with a single, high-quality preserved cherry, such as a Luxardo Maraschino or brandied cherry, dropped into the glass. A lemon twist is also an acceptable alternative.
- Maraschino Cherry: A high-quality brandied or maraschino cherry (like Luxardo) dropped into the finished drink.
Dietary Information
This is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly cocktail that is free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. However, as it is made with rye whiskey, it may not be suitable for individuals with celiac disease.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains around 230 calories per serving, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. It has a moderate sugar and carbohydrate content, with about 13 grams of each.
Calories
Approximately 220-240 kcal / 920-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 12-14 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for sophisticated occasions like a formal cocktail hour or as an elegant pre-dinner aperitif. Its contemplative nature also makes it an excellent choice for a relaxing nightcap.
- Cocktail Hour
- Sophisticated Gathering
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Nightcap
Pairing suggestions
The complex, herbal, and slightly sweet profile of the La Louisiane pairs wonderfully with rich and savory foods. It complements aged cheeses, charcuterie, and rich meats like duck. For dessert, it's an excellent match for high-quality dark chocolate.
- Rich cheeses like Gruyère or Comté
- Charcuterie boards
- Duck confit or other rich poultry dishes
- Dark chocolate
La Louisiane: A Sip of New Orleans History
The La Louisiane is a quintessential New Orleans classic, a sophisticated sipper that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sazerac and Vieux Carré. Its complex character comes from a unique blend of spicy rye whiskey, herbal Bénédictine, sweet vermouth, and an aromatic whisper of absinthe and Peychaud's bitters. It is a spirit-forward, contemplative drink, perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted, historical cocktail with layers of flavor. Best enjoyed slowly, it offers a true taste of Crescent City history.
Similar Cocktails
Vieux Carré
Uses Cognac in addition to rye, and Angostura bitters alongside Peychaud's. The ratios are also different, resulting in a slightly rounder, fruitier profile.
Sazerac
A simpler but equally iconic New Orleans classic. It uses rye or cognac, Peychaud's bitters, and a sugar cube, but omits the vermouth and Bénédictine.
Manhattan
A more straightforward classic using rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. It lacks the complex herbal notes from Bénédictine and absinthe.
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