The Perfect Boulevardier Cocktail: A Bold Twist on a Classic

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By Alex

Posted on

Glass of red cocktail on table with bottles in background, perfect for cocktail lovers and bar enthusiasts.

Cocktails

Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Servings

1

Elegant Boulevardier cocktail with orange garnish in a crystal glass on a marble surface.

Did you know the Boulevardier cocktail has roots all the way back to the 1920s? It’s like a sophisticated cousin of the Negroni.

It’s a delightful mix of bourbon or rye, sweet vermouth and Campari that just screams classy. I’ve been experimenting with it lately and let me tell you it’s perfect for cozy evenings.

Want to learn how to whip one up and maybe even some tasty food pairings? Stick around, you won’t want to miss this!

Originated in the 1920s

The Boulevardier cocktail is a classic drink that’s a real gem from the 1920s. Imagine a cocktail that’s like a Negroni’s sophisticated cousin, but with bourbon or rye whiskey instead of gin. It’s a mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, creating a rich and warming flavor profile that’s perfect for sipping. If you’ve never tried one, you’re in for a treat. It has this balanced bitterness with a hint of sweetness that makes it really complex and satisfying.

As for its origins, the Boulevardier is often credited to an American expatriate named Erskine Gwynne. He was living in Paris during the Roaring Twenties and founded a magazine called the Boulevardier. The cocktail appeared in an essay ‘Cocktails about town’ by Arthur Moss.

It captures that glamorous, carefree vibe of the 1920s, which is probably why it still resonates with cocktail lovers today. It feels like a little taste of history in a glass.

What makes the Boulevardier work so well is how the ingredients play off each other. The warmth of the whiskey complements the herbal bitterness of the Campari, while the sweet vermouth adds just the right touch of sweetness to round it all out.

It’s a drink that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening, or a stylish choice for a night out with friends. Trust me, once you take that first sip, you’ll understand why this cocktail has stood the test of time.

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Creating a Boulevardier at home can be a delightful experience if you keep a few things in mind.

  • Use quality ingredients: This drink is all about balance so splurging on good bourbon or rye and a nice sweet vermouth makes a huge difference. You want to taste the love in every sip.
  • Chill your glass: A cold glass enhances the experience so pop your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix. Nobody wants a lukewarm Boulevardier.
  • Don’t skip the bitters: A couple dashes of bitters can elevate the flavor profile dramatically. Think of them as the secret spice that ties everything together.
  • Stir, don’t shake: This cocktail is meant to be stirred to maintain its silky texture. Shaking can dilute the drink too much and ruin that smooth vibe.
  • Garnish with intention: A simple orange twist can brighten the drink. Make sure to express the oils over the drink before placing it in for that extra aromatic kick.
  • Avoid over-mixing: It’s easy to get carried away when stirring, but over-mixing can lead to a watered-down cocktail. Aim for about 30 seconds to keep it just right.
  • Taste as you go: Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios based on your preference. If it’s too bitter for your liking add a touch more vermouth. It’s your drink, make it how you love it.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to impressing friends and enjoying exceptional Boulevardiers from the comfort of your home. Cheers!

Food Pairing Ideas

Elegant cocktail with orange twist on a wooden tray, next to fresh herbs and olives in a bright kitchen setting.

The Boulevardier cocktail is a sophisticated yet approachable drink that brings together the warmth of whiskey, the bitterness of Campari, and the sweetness of sweet vermouth.

To really enjoy this classic cocktail, why not indulge in some delicious food pairings that resonate with its rich flavors? Here are a few delightful bites to elevate your sipping experience.

  • Charcuterie Board: A mix of cured meats like prosciutto and salami pairs perfectly with the cocktail’s bittersweet notes. Add some tangy pickles and creamy cheeses for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Nuts: Crunchy almonds or mixed nuts tossed in a bit of cayenne or smoked paprika bring out the cocktail’s warmth. The spice adds a nice kick that keeps things interesting.
  • Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich and velvety dark chocolate truffles will harmonize beautifully with the cocktail’s sweetness. The slight bitterness from the chocolate echoes the Campari’s flavor profile.
  • Bruschetta with Goat Cheese: Toasted bread topped with creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s a bite that complements the Boulevardier’s complexity.
  • Olives and Marinated Peppers: These briny bites add a nice tangy contrast to the sweet and bitter notes of the drink. The Mediterranean flavors are a fun twist that enhances the overall experience.

Grab your Boulevardier and enjoy these tasty pairings—they’re sure to make your cocktail hour even more memorable!

Classic Boulevardier Instructions

Bourbon cocktail with orange peel garnish, surrounded by ice cubes on a sunny countertop.

The Boulevardier is a sophisticated cocktail that perfectly balances the warmth of bourbon with the bitter complexity of Italian vermouth and Campari.

With its rich, amber hue and a velvety texture, this drink offers a delightful interplay of sweet and bitter notes, making it a perennial favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Ideal for sipping on a chilly evening or as a pre-dinner aperitif, the Boulevardier is sure to impress with its bold yet refined character.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce Bourbon or Rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange twist (for garnish)

Zero-Proof Boulevardier: Substitute the spirits with non-alcoholic whiskey and vermouth alternatives for a revitalizing mocktail that retains the cocktail’s spirit.

Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
  3. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass.

Prep Times:

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

  • Servings: 1
  • Calories: 249
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbs: 30g

Variations To Try

Variations on the Boulevardier cocktail can introduce new flavors and experiences while maintaining its classic essence.

  • Smoky Boulevardier: Replace the bourbon with a smoky mezcal for a rich and earthy twist that enhances the drink’s depth.
  • Boulevardier Sour: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the traditional mix for a bright citrus zing that balances the bitterness.
  • Spiced Boulevardier: Infuse the bourbon with cinnamon and clove before mixing for a warm and aromatic version perfect for colder months.
  • Caffeinated Boulevardier: Incorporate a splash of coffee liqueur for a dark and bold flavor that adds a unique twist to the classic recipe.
  • Fruit-Infused Boulevardier: Muddle fresh berries or citrus slices into the drink to add a fruity note that complements the bitterness of the Campari.

To pin for later:

Boulevardier cocktail in a glass with orange garnish, surrounded by fresh oranges and greenery on a gray surface.
Yield: 1

Boulevardier Cocktail

Elegant cocktail with orange twist on a wooden tray, next to fresh herbs and olives in a bright kitchen setting.

Master the Boulevardier Cocktail with these easy variations that elevate this classic bourbon cocktail. Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 30 ml Bourbon or Rye whiskey
  • 30 ml Sweet Vermouth
  • 30 ml Campari
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
  3. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass.

Notes

Zero-Proof Boulevardier: Substitute the spirits with non-alcoholic whiskey and vermouth alternatives for a revitalizing mocktail that retains the cocktail's spirit.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 249Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 3gSugar: 22gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

About the author: Alex

Alex is the creator behind Mocktails ‘n Cocktails, where he stirs up drink inspiration for every kind of host, from the cocktail curious to the sober celebrators. With a love for great flavor and zero fuss, he’s here to help you host gatherings that feel warm, run smoothly and bring people together - no stress required.
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