Boulevardier vs Negroni

The Negroni and Boulevardier are two classic cocktails that share a similar composition, yet differ in subtle but significant ways.

Both are a perfect blend of sweet and bitter flavors, created with a base of gin or bourbon, complemented by Campari and Vermouth. However, while the Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that has been around since the early 1900s, the Boulevardier is a relatively new addition to the cocktail scene, first appearing in the late 1920s.

The Negroni is a versatile cocktail that is perfect for aperitifs, while the Boulevardier is ideal for sipping after dinner. The Negroni has a bittersweet taste with a prominent orange note, while the Boulevardier is richer and has a smoky, whiskey-forward flavor. The difference in base spirits is what sets these two cocktails apart. The Negroni uses gin as its base spirit, while the Boulevardier uses bourbon or rye whiskey.

Despite their differences, both the Negroni and Boulevardier have become staples in the world of cocktails, with many variations and adaptations being created over the years. Whether you prefer the bitter and sweet taste of the Negroni or the richer, smokier flavor of the Boulevardier, both cocktails are sure to impress.

History

The Negroni and the Boulevardier are two classic cocktails that have been around for nearly a century. Both cocktails have a similar flavor profile, but they differ in their base spirit. The Negroni is made with gin, while the Boulevardier is made with whiskey.

The Negroni was invented in Italy in the early 1900s. It was created by a bartender named Fosco Scarselli, who was asked to make a new cocktail for a customer who wanted something stronger than the Americano. The resulting cocktail was named after the customer, Count Camillo Negroni, and it quickly became popular in Italy and beyond.

The Boulevardier, on the other hand, was created in Paris in the 1920s by an American writer named Erskine Gwynne. Gwynne was the editor of a monthly magazine called Boulevardier, which was dedicated to Parisian culture and nightlife. The cocktail was first mentioned in Harry MacElhone’s 1927 volume Barflies and Cocktails, and it quickly became a favorite among American expatriates in Paris.

Despite their similarities, the Negroni and the Boulevardier have different histories and origins. The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that has been popular for over a century, while the Boulevardier is a relatively recent creation that has never quite achieved the same level of popularity. Nevertheless, both cocktails are beloved by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that is similar to the Negroni but is made with bourbon instead of gin. The cocktail is believed to have originated in Paris in the 1920s and was named after the Boulevardier magazine.

The Boulevardier cocktail is typically made with 1 1/2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Campari. The ingredients are stirred together in a mixing glass with ice and then strained into a rocks glass over ice. The cocktail is garnished with an orange peel twist.

One of the most popular bourbons used in the Boulevardier cocktail is Bulleit Rye Whiskey. The rye whiskey adds a spicy and complex flavor to the cocktail. However, any bourbon can be used in the cocktail depending on personal preference.

The Boulevardier cocktail is a perfect choice for those who prefer a more mellow flavor than the Negroni. The bourbon adds a rich and smoky flavor to the cocktail, while the Campari provides a bitter and sweet taste. The Boulevardier is typically served as a sipping cocktail after dinner.

To make a perfect Boulevardier, it is important to use quality ingredients and to stir the cocktail well. The stirring process helps to dilute the cocktail and to blend the flavors together. The cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass over ice, but it can also be served straight up in a coupe glass.

Negroni

Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that has been around since the early 20th century.

It is a popular drink that is known for its bitter and sweet taste, which is achieved by combining gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The cocktail is usually garnished with an orange peel, which not only adds a refreshing citrus flavor but also enhances its visual appeal.

To make a Negroni, one needs to mix equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass filled with ice. The ingredients are then stirred until they are well mixed and chilled. The cocktail is then strained into a chilled glass and garnished with an orange peel.

The history of Negroni can be traced back to Florence, Italy, where it was first made in 1919 at Caffè Casoni. The drink was named after Count Camillo Negroni, who had asked the bartender to replace the soda water in his Americano with gin. The resulting drink was an instant hit, and it quickly became a popular cocktail in Italy.

Over the years, Negroni has evolved, and different variations of the cocktail have emerged. One of the popular variations is the Boulevardier, which replaces gin with bourbon or rye whiskey. Another variation is the Negroni Sbagliato, which uses Italian sparkling wine instead of gin.

Today, Negroni is enjoyed all over the world and is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. It is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or after-dinner drink. Its unique taste and history make it a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cocktails.