Paul Kushner
The Boulevardier is one cocktail that sticks out due to its distinctive flavor and lengthy history. This drink offers a smooth and elegant experience since it perfectly balances whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The Boulevardier is a must-try for all cocktail enthusiasts, regardless of experience level. It’s more than simply a beverage; it’s an exploration of tastes that are powerful, bitter, and sweet in precisely the right amounts.
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Tasting Notes
Harmony is tasted in The Boulevardier. The whiskey provides a robust, warming basis, while the sweet vermouth adds a touch of herbal sweetness. Campari’s subtle notes of bitterness and lemon give a crisp depth. Together, these ingredients create a smooth, somewhat bitter beverage that is well-balanced and keeps you wanting more with each sip.
Glassware and Equipment
Three simple ingredients are needed to make a Boulevardier: a strainer, a bar spoon, and a mixing glass. A chilled, old-fashioned glass is perfect for serving. This arrangement gives you a taste of classic cocktail culture while also guaranteeing that your drink is precisely prepared and chilled.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce quality sweet vermouth
- Orange twist to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill your mixing glass with ice
- Using your jigger to measure your pour, add 1 ½ ounces bourbon, 1 ounce Campari, and 1 ounce sweet vermouth to the mixing glass
- Stir evenly for 30 seconds. Do not shake as it will cause the drink to foam
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass
- Use orange twist to garnish
Pro Tips
Select an old whiskey of superior grade for a smoother Boulevardier. To suit your tastes, gently adjust the ratios. You can modify the sweetness or bitterness with an additional dash of vermouth or Campari, and add a touch more whiskey to amp up the warmth. For the finest flavor, always use fresh ice and a twist of orange juice.
When to Serve
Because of its versatility, the Boulevardier can be worn elegantly at social events or on a calm evening at home. It’s especially appropriate for chilly weather because of its warm, inviting flavors, but it’s a great option all year round.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For whiskey, Maker’s Mark or Bulleit are good options because of their flavorful, smooth textures. Sweet vermouths with a good herbal complexity, like Martini & Rossi or Carpano Antica are great options. For the bitter element, Campari is the gold standard due to its distinct flavor profile.
Similar Cocktails
If you like the Boulevardier, try these other mixed drinks:
- Negroni: For a more floral, lighter flavor, replace the whiskey with gin.
- Old Fashioned: focuses on whiskey that has been bitterly flavored and sweetened.
- Manhattan: A classic whiskey-vermouth concoction enhanced with a hint of bitters.
- Rob Roy: A Manhattan made with Scotch whisky.
- Americano: A Negroni sans the strong liquor, a lighter, bubblier drink.
History
The Boulevardier originated in the Parisian cocktail scene of the 1920s. The first person to introduce it was American expatriate Erskine Gwynne, who started the literary magazine “Boulevardier.” This drink, which combines the rich cultures of France and America in one glass, swiftly came to represent the colorful, creative life of Paris during that time.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce quality sweet vermouth
- Orange twist to garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill your mixing glass with ice
- Using your jigger to measure your pour, add 1 ½ ounces bourbon, 1 ounce Campari, and 1 ounce sweet vermouth to the mixing glass
- Stir evenly for 30 seconds. Do not shake as it will cause the drink to foam
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass
- Use orange twist to garnish
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