Boulevardier Cocktail

The boulevardier cocktail is a drink made with Bourbon, Campari, and Vermouth!

Boulevardier Cocktail Origin

A boulevardier, loosely translated, is a man-about-town. Erskine Gwynne, the publisher of "Boulevardier", a magazine that was published to Parisian ex-pats during the 1920s, created a cocktail with the same name. After Harry MacElhone published "Barflies and Cocktails" in 1927, this drink became popular. The author gave credit to Gwynne for the creation of the drink, who was frequent at MacElhone’s bar. It's a neat story, just like the drink it inspired.

Negroni VS Boulevardier

The Boulevardier, which is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, is a variation of the Negroni, which is loved for its delicate balance between bitter, boozy, and sweet. However, the difference in flavor is not simple. The gin-based Negroni is refreshing and crisp, but the whiskey-based Boulevardier is warm and more prosperous. This is the drink to reach for when it's cold outside or in winter.

Make sure you choose the right ingredients when making Boulevardier. A happy marriage of the base spirit with the sweet vermouth is key to creating the best Boulevardier. It's important not to skimp on either spirit or sweet vermouth as they play an integral role in the balance of flavor and weight. While most recipes use bourbon, some prefer rye whisky. Each has its charms, but the Boulevardier is made with Bourbon today.

The Negroni calls for equal amounts of its ingredients, but this recipe, like many others, uses whiskey in a higher proportion to allow it to cut through bitter Campari and the rich, herbal Vermouth. Mix them together with ice and garnish with an optional orange twist.