Boulevardier: A Whiskey-Forward Classic

IBA Cocktail

Want a Whiskey cocktail with Italian flair? The Boulevardier is a rich and complexly flavored drink for those who enjoy a bold, bittersweet cocktail. A sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni, it swaps gin for Whiskey, yielding a warmer, more robust cocktail.

Boulevardier: A Whiskey-Forward Classic

The balance of Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, and Campari is really smooth in this drink. Bourbon gives a smooth, oaky base; Sweet Vermouth adds dark fruit notes with a touch of sweetness; while Campari adds a distinctive bitterness cutting through the sweetness of vermouth and the strength of Bourbon. All in all, this cocktail possesses a quite interesting, complex flavor profile. The interaction of these three ingredients is going to make this cocktail very memorable.

Served over ice in a chilled old-fashioned glass, this cocktail is as elegant as it is approachable. The beautiful deep amber color of the drink itself is a treat to behold, while the simple garnish of an orange peel adds a touch of citrus aroma that perfectly complements the flavors within.

This is the classic for those who like to drink Whiskey in more complex and well-balanced cocktails. This is a perfect choice for sipping on a cool evening or drinking as an aperitif before dinner. Boulevardier is on the IBA official list of cocktails.

This bold and bittersweet cocktail is a perfect choice for Whiskey lovers.

Did you know that Boulevardier...

The Boulevardier cocktail appears in the movie Groundhog Day (1993). Phil (Bill Murray) wants his Jim Beam on ice with water… also too simple for our purposes. So, what mixes Bourbon and sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist? The Boulevardier to wit: a Negroni with Whiskey in place of gin.

Who invented this cocktail

The Boulevardier is a creation of the legendary bartender Harry MacElhone, of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, around 1927. He was considered a classicist when it came to cocktails, and his influence on cocktail culture was immense.

The origin and history of "Boulevardier"

The Boulevardier first appeared in Harry MacElhone’s 1927 book, Barflies and Cocktails. It quickly became a favourite among patrons of his bar, particularly those who enjoyed Whiskey-based drinks.

This is one such drink whose popularity has survived through the decades and is a classic cocktail continued to this day in most bars around the world. The simplicity and elegance of the mixture of ingredients in this cocktail make it timeless for the true lovers of the cocktail world.

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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Boulevardier"

Following are some tips to make a perfect Boulevardier:
  • Use good-quality Bourbon for the best flavour.
  • Use a high-quality Sweet Vermouth to add more complexity to the cocktail.
  • Taste and adjust the ingredient ratios to your liking; some like it a bit more bourbon-forward, while others like it a bit more Campari-forward.
  • A large ice cube will prevent over-dilution.
  • Garnish with an orange peel for a nice citrus aroma and appearance.

Boulevardier recipe

Prep: 3 minTotal: 5 min

Ingredients

  • 45 ml BOURBON
  • 30 ml SWEET RED VERMOUTH
  • 30 ml CAMPARI
  • 1½ oz BOURBON
  • 1 oz SWEET RED VERMOUTH
  • 1 oz CAMPARI

Garnish

  • ORANGE TWIST

Preparation

  1. Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice
  2. Stir gently till all ingredients have blended
  3. Strain into the glass filled with ice
  4. Garnish and serve

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:191 kcal
  • Alcohol units:3.0 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~29%

Dietary Info

VeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-free
Country of origin: France

"Boulevardier" Variations

  • Old Pal: Made with dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth, this is a much drier cocktail.
  • Right Hand: A dash of chocolate bitters added for depth of flavor.
  • Negroni Sbagliato: Prosecco replaces the gin in this lighter, fizzier cocktail.
  • Kingston Negroni: Dark rum replaces the gin, making it a tropical twist.
  • Averna Boulevardier: Campari is replaced with Averna amaro for a more herbal and less bitter drink.

With the rich and complex nature of flavors, the Boulevardier remains one of the classics cherished alike by Whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts. It is a perfect fit for one that seeks a sophisticated and satisfying drink.

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Current Comments: 2

Lucas V.
Mar 7, 2024
A delightful twist on my usual drink. I enjoyed the depth of the bourbon and the hint of bitterness from Campari.
Jackson S.
Feb 29, 2024
Rich and robust with a wonderful balance of flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in by the fireplace.