The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias – The Vieux Carré Cocktail with Author John DeMers – 2022Ep5

Pictured above – Author John DeMers pictured with the cover of his book (inset), The Vieux Carré.

On this edition of The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias, we once again speak to an author from the terrific book series “Iconic New Orleans Cocktails” by LSU Press. This time around, we talk with John DeMers, a native of New Orleans, who recently penned a book on the classic Vieux Carré cocktail.

John, who has written nearly 60 books, both fiction and non-fiction, including numerous cookbooks, lets us know about his writing background and his New Orleans roots. We also discuss how he came to write The Vieux Carré as part of LSU Press’ “Iconic New Orleans Cocktails” series.

As we dive into the book itself, we discuss the fascinating history of this important New Orleans drink and the folks connected to it. Invented by Walter Bergeron at the famous French Quarter hotel, the Hotel Monteleone, after Prohibition, the Vieux Carré’s story has roots stretching back long before. We talk about the somewhat murky history of Bergeron, the Monteleone family, and much more!

Of course, we delve into what the drink is, the ingredients that make it up, and how those along with a sense of place led to its ultimate creation. We chat about how to make the drink and even ask the “hard-hitting” and “controversial” question, “Up or on the rocks?” Side note – ice plays an important role in the story!

Connect with John – @demerswrites & LSU Press – @lsupress

Check out our other shows featuring the books and authors from this series:

The Absinthe Frappé by Mariel Songy

The Café Brûlot by Sue Strachan

Cheers and Be Well, You All!

~ Bryan