The Cocktail à la Louisiane is a New Orleans classic poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. It is a stirred, spirit-driven cocktail built on Rittenhouse rye, Bénédictine, sweet vermouth and absinthe, finished with Scrappy’s Orleans bitters and Angostura. It is on our list for lovers of vintage, complex cocktails, a refined sipper with real history behind it.
What’s In It
The build is stirred and aromatic. We start with Rittenhouse, a bold bottled-in-bond rye, then layer in Bénédictine, a honeyed herbal liqueur, and sweet vermouth for richness. A whisper of absinthe brings anise perfume, while Scrappy’s Orleans bitters and Angostura add layered spice. Stirred over ice and strained, it is a rich, herbal, spirit-forward cocktail in the great New Orleans tradition.
About This Cocktail
The Cocktail à la Louisiane is a New Orleans classic, said to have originated at the historic Restaurant de la Louisiane in the French Quarter. A cousin of the Sazerac and the Vieux Carré, it pairs rye whiskey with Bénédictine, sweet vermouth, absinthe and bitters. At Grappa, we make it faithfully with Rittenhouse rye and Scrappy’s Orleans bitters, honoring its Crescent City roots while serving it in our candlelit Queen Anne dining room.
Tasting Notes
The aroma is herbal and spicy, with rye grain, honeyed botanicals and a lift of anise from the absinthe. The palate is rich and layered, the bold rye framed by sweet vermouth and Bénédictine, with bitters adding depth. The finish is long, warming and complex. A serious, spirit-forward classic.
What to Pair It With
This bold, herbal cocktail pairs well with savory plates. Try it with our Sicilian Meatballs, the Charcuterie Board, or crispy Saganaki. Explore the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
The Cocktail à la Louisiane is a hand-crafted cocktail at $16, stirred and served chilled.
FAQ
What’s in the Cocktail à la Louisiane?
Rittenhouse rye, Bénédictine, sweet vermouth, absinthe, Scrappy’s Orleans bitters and Angostura, stirred and strained.
What does it taste like?
Rich and herbal, with bold rye, honeyed botanicals, a lift of anise from the absinthe, and layered spice on a long, warming finish.
Is it strong?
Yes. It is a stirred, spirit-forward New Orleans classic built on rye whiskey, complex and on the stronger side, made for slow sipping.
Ready to visit? Book a table, browse the full cocktail list, and see the dine-in menu.
