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All cocktails La Louisiane

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La Louisiane

Classic/vintage · Hall of Fame and must know/try · Nightcap/sipping

4.5 551 ratings

Ingredients

1 1/3 oz Rye whiskey 50% abv
1 oz Rosso/sweet vermouth
1/2 oz Bénédictine D.O.M.
1/24 oz Absinthe
1/4 oz Chilled water
2 dash Creole bitters

How to make

Serve in a coupe glass

Prepare

  1. 1 Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. 2 Prepare garnish of skewered Luxardo Maraschino Cherry.

Method

  1. 3 STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. 4 FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. 5 Garnish with skewered maraschino cherry.

Flavour profile

50.0% alc./vol. · 1.8 standard drinks · 189 calories

History

This rye-based Sweet Manhattan is elevated by an herbal liqueur and balanced with Peychaud's and absinthe bitters. While the original recipe featured equal parts rye whiskey, Bénédictine D.O.M., and rosso vermouth, this version adjusts the proportions, reducing the liqueur and increasing the whiskey for a more balanced profile, especially for those who prefer less sweetness. In January 2024, the amount of absinthe was reduced by half to 2.5ml (half a barspoon). This adjustment was made again in December 2025, halving it once more to ensure harmonious integration with the other components. Both absinthe and bonded rye benefit from dilution; therefore, a small addition of water can enhance this cocktail, depending on the ice used.

This recipe was adapted from Stanley Clisby Arthur's 1937 book, Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix 'Em. Arthur wrote, "This is the special cocktail served at Restaurant de la Louisiane, one of the famous French restaurants of New Orleans, long the rendezvous of those who appreciate the best in Creole cuisine. La Louisiane cocktail is as out-of-the-ordinary as the many distinctive dishes that grace its menu." Cocktail à Louisiane 1/3 jigger rye whiskey 1/3 jigger Italian vermouth 1/3 jigger Benedictine 3-4 dashes absinthe substitute 3-4 dashes Peychaud bitters Combine in a barglass with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass containing a maraschino cherry. According to Arthur, this is the special cocktail served at Restaurant de la Louisiane, a renowned French restaurant in New Orleans that attracts patrons who value fine Creole cuisine. The La Louisiane cocktail is described as being as unique as the restaurant's signature dishes.

Created by Stanley Clisby Arthur