The Boulevardier cocktail recipe is a classic from the roaring 20s when indulgence and excess were the order of the day. It sprang from the mind of a well-to-do socialite who whiled away his time in the smoky bars of Paris. It’s a deep well of vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors balanced by the bittersweet bite of Campari that leaves you wanting more with every sip.
Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Fill a mixing glass with ice
02
2.
Add the bourbon, Campari, and vermouth
03
3.
Stir for about 30 seconds, until chilled
04
4.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
05
5.
Twist the orange peel over the drink to express its oils, then use the peel as garnish
06
6.
Serve
History of the Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier cocktail recipe was invented in the 1920s by an American writer living in Paris. Erskine Gwynne was a young man-about-town who spent his days hobnobbing with the socialites in Paris. When he wasn’t flitting from brunches and lunches to dinners and cocktail parties, he founded a magazine inspired by The New Yorker called The Boulevardier.
To go along with the launch of the magazine, he decided that he needed a cocktail of the same name. Whether this was by clever design or because he couldn’t think of anything else, the Boulevardier cocktail was born. The magazine fizzled out after five years, but the Boulevardier cocktail recipe not only endured but thrived. It’s on the International Bartenders Association of official cocktails and even if old Erskine never got to see it there, it’s still a feather in his beret.
Variations
Negroni lovers will tell you that the Boulevardier is a riff on it, and Boulevardier lovers will tell you the opposite. We’re here to tell you, who cares! Because they are both ridiculously good. Where the Italian Negroni is bittersweet with bracing herbal and citrus notes, the Boulevardier is round, warm, and spicy with a lingering oaky finish. For two cocktails with two thirds of the same ingredients, they couldn’t be further apart in flavor. If you’d like to try a whiskey version, just replace the bourbon with your favorite brand.
When to serve
The real question is where does the Boulevardier not fit in? It’s a great allrounder that works at everything from cocktail and dinner parties to brunches and barbecue cookouts. One thing to bear in mind though is that the recipe for a Boulevardier cocktail packs a punch so drink responsibly.
Also see: 15 Cocktails with Vermouth for Sophisticated Sipping
Can I substitute the bourbon in a Boulevardier?
Yes, you can substitute the bourbon in a Boulevardier to suit your taste preference. While traditionalists might prefer bourbon for its smooth, sweet profile, rye whiskey offers a spicier alternative, adding an extra layer of complexity. For a unique twist, try using a peated Scotch for a smoky finish. Experimenting with different whiskies can lead to discovering your perfect version of the Boulevardier.
Read next: 12 Rye Whiskey Cocktails to Make at Home
More drinks to try if you love a Boulevardier
If you’re a fan of the Boulevardier’s rich and bold flavors, you might also enjoy these cocktails that celebrate robust spirits and bittersweet notes:
- Manhattan: A smooth mix of rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a cherry.
- Old Pal: Similar to the Boulevardier, but with dry vermouth instead of sweet, offering a lighter, more herbaceous profile.
- Whiskey Sour: A refreshing blend of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, perfect for those who enjoy a tart and tangy drink.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Boulevardier is a cocktail made up of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth that is served over ice. The word Boulevardier loosely translates to ‘a wealthy socialite’ or ‘man-about-town.'
Bourbon is the classic choice for the Boulevardier cocktail recipe, but you can make your own version by replacing the bourbon with rum, whiskey, or rye whiskey.
A Boulevardier is typically made with bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The ingredients are stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass, usually garnished with an orange twist for a citrus aroma that complements the drink's rich flavors.
The primary difference between a Boulevardier and a Negroni is the base spirit. A Boulevardier uses bourbon (or rye whiskey), giving it a warm and oaky flavor, while a Negroni uses gin, which imparts a more botanical and juniper-forward taste. The switch from gin to whiskey transforms the cocktail, creating a distinctly different experience.
Absolutely! While bourbon and rye are traditional choices, adventurous mixologists can experiment with other spirits like rum, tequila, or even mezcal for a smoky twist. Each spirit will bring its unique character to the cocktail, offering new and exciting variations.
