Looking for a spirit-forward cocktail with bold, complex flavors? The Boulevardier cocktail is a sophisticated libation blending whiskey, sweet vermouth, and herbal Campari for a rich, nuanced sipper.
Looking for the best boulevardier cocktail recipe?
Step into the world of timeless elegance with the Boulevardier cocktail. Crafted with the rich flavors of bourbon, the subtle sweetness of vermouth, and the bold bitterness of Campari, this sophisticated libation is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern allure.
As a cousin of the Negroni with a twist of orange from the bitter Campari like a Garibaldi cocktail, this boulevardier cocktail will transport you back to the boulevards of Paris with every sip.
Looking to elevate your cocktail recipes? Introducing the Boulevardier, a classic drink with a fascinating history and layers of flavor that’s sure to impress. If you love the complexity of a Negroni but crave something with a whiskey twist, this cocktail is right up your alley. With just a few simple ingredients, you can mix up a Boulevardier that’s bold, balanced, and brimming with character.
Watch 🎥 How to Make a Boulevardier
What Is a Boulevardier Cocktail?
Let us take you back to the roaring 1920s in Paris, where the boulevards were bustling with excitement and creativity. It was during this vibrant era that Erskine Gwynne, an American expatriate and the editor of a literary magazine called “Boulevardier,” made a mark on cocktail history. Inspired by the bustling culture around him, Gwynne decided to put a twist on the classic Negroni, substituting gin with whiskey as the base spirit.
Little did he know that this bold experiment would lead to the creation of the Boulevardier cocktail. As word spread, the drink gained popularity at Harry’s New York Bar, a hub for expatriates and locals alike. With its intriguing blend of bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Boulevardier drink became known for its rich flavors and unique character.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Boulevardier Cocktail
How to Make This Boulevardier Recipe
- Add ice to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker.
- Add the bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass and stir until chilled.
- Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass and strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Opt for high-quality spirits like Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey or a spicier rye whiskey for a more robust flavor profile.
- Stick to the classic recipe of equal parts bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth to maintain the balance of flavors.
- Enhance the aroma and visual appeal of your Boulevardier by garnishing it with an orange twist or lemon peel. This adds a refreshing citrusy note to the cocktail.
- Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by varying the amount of sweet vermouth used. Start with the classic equal proportions and tweak according to your taste.
- For an extra chill, refrigerate your ingredients beforehand, including the whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This ensures that your Boulevardier is perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy.
- While Campari is the traditional choice for the Boulevardier, you can explore different Italian red bitter liqueurs or bitters to create unique flavor profiles and tailor the cocktail to your liking.
How to serve this great cocktail
A Boulevardier is traditionally served in a rocks glass over a large ice cube or in a classic cocktail glass for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with an orange twist or lemon peel to enhance the aroma and visual appeal of the cocktail.
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With 5 minutes of prep time, you can craft an elegant cocktail with a rich flavor profile that’s sure to please even the snobbiest of cocktail drinkers. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!
Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe 🥃
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Mixing glass
- spoon
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Dehydrated orange slice for garnish.
Instructions
- Add ice to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker.
- Add the bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth into the mixing glass and stir until chilled.
- Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass and strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice.