Classic Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe: Perfect Blend of Whiskey, Vermouth, and Campari

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 1 slice of orange peel for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before making the drink.
  2. In a cocktail mixing glass, combine the bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 20 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass.
  5. Gently twist the orange peel over the glass to express its oils, then drop it into the drink as a garnish.
  6. Serve and enjoy your Boulevardier cocktail.

Tools for making

  • Cocktail glass - A glass specifically designed for serving cocktails.
  • Cocktail mixing glass - A glass used for mixing and stirring cocktails.
  • Bar spoon - A long-handled spoon used for stirring cocktails.
  • Ice - Ice cubes to chill the cocktail.
  • Orange peel - A slice of orange peel used for garnishing the Boulevardier.

Recipe variations

  • Experiment with different types of bourbon to find the flavor profile you prefer.
  • Try substituting Aperol for Campari if you prefer a less bitter taste.
  • Explore different brands and styles of sweet vermouth to find the one that suits your palate.
  • Add a dash of Angostura bitters for an extra layer of complexity.
  • For a smoky twist, use a peated bourbon or add a few drops of Islay Scotch whisky.
  • Consider garnishing with a lemon twist instead of an orange peel for a brighter citrus note.
  • Adjust the ratios of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth to customize the balance of flavors.
  • Serve the Boulevardier over a large ice cube for a slower dilution rate.

Recipe overview

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that hails from the 1920s. It's a whiskey-based drink that is both bold and complex, perfect for those who appreciate a good Negroni but prefer the warmth of bourbon. The cocktail is typically made with bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, resulting in a beverage that is both rich and balanced in taste. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make a classic Boulevardier, perfect for an evening nightcap or a sophisticated gathering. This drink requires a few simple steps and ingredients, and the result is a cocktail with a strong, memorable flavor. Expect a lovely blend of the bourbon's smooth, warm notes with the sharp, bitter-sweet profile of the Campari and vermouth. The orange peel garnish adds a delightful hint of citrus that perfectly complements the drink. So, get your cocktail glass ready, and let's dive in to make this timeless cocktail!

Common questions

  1. What type of bourbon should I use for a Boulevardier?
    You can use any type of bourbon for a Boulevardier, but it is recommended to use a quality bourbon that you enjoy. Popular choices include Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, and Woodford Reserve.
  2. Can I substitute the Campari with another bitter liqueur?
    Yes, if you don't have Campari on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute it with other bitter liqueurs like Aperol or Cynar. However, note that the taste will vary slightly.
  3. Do I need to use a specific brand of sweet vermouth?
    No, you can use any brand of sweet vermouth that you prefer. Some popular choices include Carpano Antica Formula, Martini & Rossi, and Dolin Rouge.
  4. Can I add ice to the glass before pouring the cocktail?
    It is not recommended to add ice to the glass before pouring the Boulevardier. The drink is traditionally served without ice in a chilled glass. However, if you prefer your cocktail on the rocks, you can add ice to the glass before straining the cocktail.
  5. Can I use a different garnish instead of an orange peel?
    Yes, you can experiment with different garnishes if you prefer. Some alternatives to an orange peel include a cherry, lemon twist, or a sprig of rosemary.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cocktail shaker - Useful for shaking the ingredients with ice.
  • Mixing glass - Ideal for stirring the ingredients with ice.
  • Bar spoon - Essential for stirring the cocktail in the mixing glass.
  • Cocktail strainer - Needed to strain the drink into a glass.
  • Cocktail glass - A specific type of glassware for serving the Boulevardier.
  • Ice - Required for chilling the glass and mixing with the ingredients.
  • Orange peeler or zester - For garnishing the cocktail with an orange twist.

Origin stories

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that originated in the United States during the Prohibition era. It was first published in Harry MacElhone's 1927 bar guide "Barflies and Cocktails." MacElhone was the proprietor of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, a watering hole for American expatriates. The drink was named after Erskine Gwynne's monthly magazine, The Boulevardier, which was a sort of Parisian version of The New Yorker. Gwynne, a wealthy American writer who founded the magazine, was a regular client of Harry's Bar. The cocktail is essentially a Negroni with bourbon replacing the gin, giving it a warm, robust flavor profile that quickly became popular.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.