Old Square – Louisiana – Whiskey, Cognac, Vermouth

I’m exploring the Old Square cocktail, a Louisiana favorite rooted in 18th-century Creole and Cajun traditions, blending African, Native American, and French influences. It stars bourbon as the whiskey base, paired with sweet vermouth for herbal depth—though cognac swaps add a twist in some versions. I mix it with simple syrup and bitters for a smooth, spirited sip. You’ll uncover more details on its history and variations next.

History

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Old Square Louisiana, a nod to the rich culinary heritage of the French Quarter in New Orleans, originated in the 18th century as a fusion of African, Native American, and French influences, embodying the diverse cultural background of Creole and Cajun communities.

Regional variations include the seafood-heavy versions in coastal areas versus meat-based renditions in rural Louisiana, signifying adaptations to local resources and highlighting the dish’s role in preserving regional identities.

Traditionally, it’s served during festive occasions like Mardi Gras, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, fostering community bonds and cultural continuity.

Ingredients

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• Bourbon, 2 oz – Oh, where would we be without this golden star of the show. That rich, oaky whiskey that whispers promises of a good time. You know, the kind that makes you pause and think. Is this the liquid that could turn a simple evening into something memorable?
• Sweet vermouth, 1 oz – This fortified wine’s got that sweet, herbal vibe. Almost like a sneaky friend who adds depth without stealing the spotlight. Making you wonder, how does something so unassuming pack such a flavorful punch?
• Simple syrup, 0.5 oz – Just a touch of this homemade or store-bought sweetener. Because let’s face it, life’s too short for drinks that pucker up too much. And it balances things out in that effortless way that says, yeah, we’re keeping it easy here.
• Angostura bitters, 2 dashes – These little drops of spicy magic. With their cinnamon and clove notes. Can turn a basic mix into a symphony. Though I might kid myself and say, if I were the type to overdo it, I’d call them the spice that keeps things from getting boring.
• Ice cubes, a handful or so – Don’t skimp on these chilly buddies. As they chill and dilute just right. Because who wants a warm drink when you could have that crisp, invigorating chill. That makes you feel like you’ve got it all figured out, even on a clumsy day?
• Orange peel for garnish – Twist in a bit of this citrusy zest. That bright, aromatic twist that adds a fresh pop of color and scent. Making you rhetorically ask, why not dress up your glass like it’s heading to a party?
• Cocktail cherry for garnish – That classic red jewel on top. Sweet and a little cheeky. Because sometimes a drink needs that final flourish to say, hey, we’re not just sipping, we’re celebrating. Even if I’m the one imagining the fun without the mess-ups.

Preparation

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Let’s jump into making the Old Square Louisiana cocktail, a smooth mix that brings out the best in bourbon with a few simple twists.

Start by gathering your ingredients—think of it as setting the stage for a little liquid adventure that even I, in my clumsy moments, can handle without much fuss.

You’ll want to measure out the bourbon (2 oz), sweet vermouth (1 oz), simple syrup (0.5 oz), and Angostura bitters (2 dashes) first, because getting those amounts right sets the tone for a drink that’s balanced and full of character, not too sweet or too strong.

Now, for the actual steps, follow this numbered guide to keep things straightforward and fun—it’s like chatting through a recipe with a friend who knows just when to add a playful nudge.

1. Add the ingredients to a mixing glass: Pour in the bourbon (2 oz), sweet vermouth (1 oz), simple syrup (0.5 oz), and Angostura bitters (2 dashes), wondering all the while, how does such a small splash of bitters make everything pop like that?
2. Add ice cubes to the mixing glass: Toss in a handful of those chilly cubes, because nothing says “let’s chill out” quite like ice that dilutes and cools without watering things down too much, you know?
3. Stir the mixture gently: Use a bar spoon to stir for about 20-30 seconds, creating that silky blend where flavors mingle like old pals, though I might overthink it and picture the bourbon whispering secrets to the vermouth.
4. Strain into a rocks glass: Pour the mixture through a strainer into a rocks glass with a large ice cube, that satisfying pour that makes you pause and appreciate the craftsmanship, even if I’m the type to spill a drop or two.
5. Garnish with orange peel and cocktail cherry: Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then add it along with the cherry for that final flourish, because who doesn’t like a drink that looks as good as it tastes, right?
6. Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker: Wait, hold on, after stirring and straining, give it a quick shake if you want extra chill—lock that lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, blending it all up in a way that might make you chuckle at how mixing drinks can feel like a tiny workout.

Once you’re done, sit back and admire your creation, that glossy drink in the glass, pondering how something so easy can feel like a mini celebration, especially on days when things don’t always go as planned.

Tips and Variations

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When it comes to tweaking the Old Square Louisiana cocktail, you might start by considering that classic stir versus a quick shake—stirring keeps things smooth and silky, but if you’re in the mood for an extra frosty vibe, try shaking it in that cocktail shaker for those 10-15 seconds, releasing more oils and a bit more dilution, though I could easily picture myself fumbling the lid and ending up with a splashy mess.

For variations, swap out the Angostura bitters for something zesty like Peychaud’s to add a local Louisiana twist, or play with the simple syrup by bumping it up to 0.75 oz if your bourbon’s on the bolder side, wondering how just a little change can turn a simple drink into your new favorite experiment, all without overcomplicating things, you know?

And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a lemon twist instead of orange for a brighter pop, because sometimes, that small adjustment makes the whole thing feel like a fresh adventure, even for someone as indecisive as I can be.