BOULEVARDIER COCKTAIL RECIPE

Created on July 29, 2023

Meet the Boulevardier, a timeless cocktail offering a delightful blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Sometimes known as the whiskey cousin of the Negroni, this elegant drink hails from the 1920s and is beloved by cocktail connoisseurs for its complexity and balance.

Red Boulevardier cocktail in rocks glass with large ice cube and orange peel garnish

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Ounces Bourbon Whiskey
  • 1 Ounce Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 Ounce Campari
  • 1 Orange Peel (garnish)

Method

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Pour the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari into the mixing glass.
  3. Stir for about 30 seconds, until well-chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  5. Garnish with an orange peel.
  6. Enjoy!

Tips

  • Ensure your glassware is cold to maintain the chill of your cocktail.

  • Experiment with different bourbon brands to find your preferred flavor profile. My personal favorite is Bulleit Bourbon.

  • Be careful not to overpour the Campari. It can easily take over this drink, overpowering the flavors of the bourbon and sweet vermouth.

  • Try adjusting the ratio of ingredients to create your perfect balance.

What's In A Boulevardier?

A Boulevardier is an alluring mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The bourbon adds depth and body, sweet vermouth provides a herbal sweetness, and Campari brings a punch of bitterness.

Best Bourbon For A Boulevardier

A high-quality, full-bodied bourbon works best for a Boulevardier. Bulleit Bourbon is an excellent choice, offering rich, oaky notes that complement the vermouth and Campari beautifully.

History

The Boulevardier originated in 1920s Paris, conceived by American-born writer Erskine Gwynne. As a variant of the classic Negroni, it gained popularity in Gwynne's magazine, The Boulevardier. Today, it's enjoying a renaissance in cocktail bars worldwide.

FAQ's

What Does A Boulevardier Taste Like?

The Boulevardier offers a rich, deep flavor that's both bitter and sweet. The bourbon adds warmth and a hint of sweetness, the sweet vermouth brings herbal notes, while the Campari contributes a characteristic bitter edge.

What's the difference between a Negroni and a Boulevardier?

While they share ingredients, the key difference is in the spirit: a Negroni uses gin, while a Boulevardier uses bourbon. This makes the Boulevardier richer and warmer in taste.

Can I use a different type of whiskey in a Boulevardier?

Absolutely you can. While bourbon is traditional, you can experiment with different whiskeys. A rye whiskey, for instance, will give the cocktail a spicier edge.