If you like rich whiskey cocktails with bitter herbal notes, this easy boulevardier cocktail recipe is for you. The drink was created in the 1920s in Paris by Erskine Gwynne, an American who was the editor of a literary magazine called “Boulevardier.” The cocktail rose to fame in 1927, when Harry McElhone, owner of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, wrote about it in a book entitled Barflies and Cocktails.
Think of this drink as a whiskey negroni. Both cocktails have sweet vermouth and bitter and slightly spicy Campari, but where the negroni has gin, this cocktail contains rye whiskey or bourbon as the base spirit. The whiskey makes it a fantastic drink for cold weather, perfect for sipping in front of the fireplace. For more classic cocktail recipes, try my whiskey sour recipe, old fashioned cocktail recipe, or kir royale recipe.
What You Need to Make this Recipe
Rye whiskey or bourbon — this makes the drink spicy and also adds a little sweetness. Use a good quality whiskey or bourbon with notes of caramel and vanilla, or simply your favorite one to drink!
Vermouth — you need sweet vermouth (also called red vermouth or Italian vermouth) for this bourbon cocktail. It is sweet with hints of vanilla and helps to balance the bitter campari. I don’t recommend swapping it for dry vermouth.
Campari — Campari is a type of bitters hailing from Italy. While this liqueur can be somewhat polarizing because of its bitterness, the flavor is well balanced with the vermouth and rye in this cocktail.
Garnish — a simple orange peel twist is an elegant garnish that also adds a hint of zesty sweetness.
How to Make a Boulevardier
1. Add the whiskey or bourbon to a mixing glass.
2. Then pour in the sweet vermouth and Campari.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice two-thirds of the way.
4. Stir for about 30 seconds or until the outside of the glass is chilled.
5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass with large ice cubes or a chilled cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use good alcohol. No, you don’t need to buy top-shelf liquor, but good whiskey and vermouth make all the difference.
- If you don’t have a mixing glass: You can use a Mason jar, measuring cup, or pint glass if you don’t have a mixing glass. The bottom needs to be heavy so the glass does not tip over.
- Play with the ratios to suit your taste. You can easily increase or reduce all the ingredients depending on what flavors you would prefer.
- Change up the garnish. Try lemon peel twist instead of an orange twist for a brighter citrus flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rich and spicy with hints of orange. This strong drink is wonderful on a chilly evening! Perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or any night you fancy a complex beverage.
A boulevardier drink is basically a cousin of the negroni. Instead of gin, you’ll need whiskey or bourbon to make it. Flavor-wise, negronis are crisp and bittersweet, while this cocktail is spicy with a warming effect.
It is pronounced boo-luh-vah-dee-eh. It’s kind of like saying the word “boulevard” with a few additional syllables added to the end!
Typically, this bourbon cocktail has equal parts whiskey, vermouth, and Campari. In this recipe, I use a little less Campari as it can be quite an overpowering flavor. Feel free to make it to suite your taste! Throughout the last 20 or so years, it has become a favorite among American bartenders with the rise of the craft cocktail movement, and many have taken their own spin on the classic.
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If you’ve tried this boulevardier recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Boulevardier
Equipment
- Cocktail mixing glass
- Coupe or rocks glass
Ingredients
- 1 ounce rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- ¾ ounce Campari
- Orange twist garnish
Instructions
- Combine each of the liquors in a mixing glass. Fill two-thirds full with ice and stir until chilled on the outside of the glass, about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a rock glass with ice, and garnish with an orange peel twist.
Notes
- Use good alcohol. No, you don’t need to buy top-shelf liquor, but good whiskey and vermouth make all the difference.
- If you don’t have a mixing glass: You can use a Mason jar, measuring cup, or pint glass if you don’t have a mixing glass. The bottom needs to be heavy so the glass does not tip over.
- Play with the ratios to suit your taste. You can easily increase or reduce all the ingredients depending on what flavors you would prefer.
- Change up the garnish. Try lemon peel twist instead of an orange twist for a brighter citrus flavor.a
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