Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe

Boulevardier cocktail recipe on a southern decorated table

Pull up a chair and get ready for a cocktail that packs a wallop with its robust flavors—the Boulevardier. Hailing from the spirited streets of Paris in the 1920s, the Boulevardier is the European cousin to the American-born Negroni. Swapping out gin for bourbon, this cocktail offers a richer, deeper profile that’s perfect for those who appreciate a stiff drink with a touch of elegance. If you’re keen on exploring more such spirited mixes, do wander through our collection of cocktail recipes for more classics and modern twists. Similar in build to the Negroni and the Old Fashioned, the Boulevardier balances the sweetness and bitterness exquisitely, making it a favored choice among cocktail aficionados.

Boulevardier Cocktail Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz Campari
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange peel, for garnish

Recommended Equipment

  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned glass

How to Make a Boulevardier Cocktail: Step-by-Step

  1. Chill Your Glass: Start by placing your Old Fashioned glass in the freezer or filling it with ice water to chill.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice cubes, combine the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
  3. Stir to Perfection: Stir the ingredients gently for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is well chilled. The key here is to dilute the drink slightly while keeping it strong and smooth.
  4. Prepare the Glass: Empty the chilling ice from your Old Fashioned glass or take it out from the freezer.
  5. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass. This will prevent any unwanted ice chips in your drink.
  6. Garnish: Express the oil of an orange peel over the drink, rim the glass with it, and then drop it in as a garnish. The citrus oil adds a bright, fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the deeper, bitter flavors of the drink.
  7. Enjoy: Savor the balanced yet bold flavors of your Boulevardier, a true toast to classic cocktail craftsmanship.

This Boulevardier recipe invites you to unwind in style, merging the warmth of bourbon with the intriguing bittersweet dance of Campari and vermouth. Here’s to a drink that’s as suave as a Parisian night!

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