Description
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir until chilled, about 20-30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist.
Variations:
- Some people prefer a 2:1:1 ratio of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, while others prefer equal parts of each ingredient.
- Aged rum can be used in place of bourbon for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Mezcal can be used in place of bourbon or whiskey for a smoky twist on the classic recipe.
The Origin of the Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that is believed to have originated in Paris in the 1920s. It was created by an American expatriate named Erskine Gwynne, who had moved to Paris to launch a literary magazine called Boulevardier. The cocktail was named after the magazine and quickly became a popular drink among the expat community in Paris.
The Boulevardier is a variation on the Negroni, which is made with gin instead of whiskey. It is thought that Gwynne wanted to create a Negroni with a stronger, more whiskey-forward flavor profile, so he substituted the gin with bourbon or rye whiskey. The other ingredients, Campari and sweet vermouth, remained the same.
Today, the Boulevardier is considered a classic cocktail and can be found on the menu at many bars and restaurants around the world. Its popularity has grown in recent years as whiskey-based cocktails have become increasingly popular.
Boulevardier Cocktail Traditions
The Boulevardier cocktail has a rich history and is considered a classic cocktail. As with many classic cocktails, there are certain traditions and customs associated with it. Here are a few traditions and tips for enjoying a Boulevardier:
- Glassware: The Boulevardier is typically served in a rocks glass or a coupe glass. Some bartenders prefer to serve it on the rocks, while others prefer it neat.
- Garnish: The traditional garnish for a Boulevardier is a twist of orange peel. This adds a bright citrus note to the cocktail and complements the bitter flavors of the Campari.
- Mixing: The Boulevardier is traditionally stirred, not shaken. This helps to chill the cocktail without over-diluting it.
- Ratios: The classic recipe for a Boulevardier calls for equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. However, some bartenders prefer to adjust the ratios to suit their own tastes. Some prefer a 2:1:1 ratio of whiskey, Campari, and vermouth, while others prefer a 3:1:1 ratio.
- Whiskey choice: The whiskey used in a Boulevardier can make a big difference in the flavor of the cocktail. Some prefer a high-proof bourbon or rye, while others prefer a smoother, lower-proof whiskey. Experiment with different whiskeys to find your favorite.
Overall, the Boulevardier is a versatile and delicious cocktail that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re sipping one at a trendy bar or mixing one up at home, it’s a classic cocktail that is sure to impress.
Modern Boulevardier Cocktail Trends
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in classic cocktails like the Boulevardier. As a result, many bartenders have put their own spin on the classic recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. Here are a few modern trends and variations on the Boulevardier:
- Barrel-aged Boulevardier: Some bartenders have started aging Boulevardiers in oak barrels, which imparts a subtle woodiness to the cocktail and mellows out the flavors. This technique is similar to aging whiskey and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
- Ingredient swaps: Some bartenders have experimented with swapping out the Campari for other bitter liqueurs, such as Aperol or Cynar. This can change the flavor profile of the cocktail and create new and interesting variations.
- Smoke and fire: Some bartenders have started incorporating smoke or fire into their Boulevardiers, either by smoking the glass or by using smoky ingredients like mezcal. This adds a new layer of complexity to the cocktail and can be visually striking.
- Garnish variations: While the traditional garnish for a Boulevardier is an orange twist, some bartenders have started using other garnishes to add new flavors and aromas. For example, a sprig of rosemary can add a fragrant herbal note, while a slice of grapefruit can add a bright citrusy flavor.
Overall, the Boulevardier is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and styles. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or a modern variation, it’s a cocktail that is sure to impress.
Related Сocktails
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that belongs to the Negroni family of cocktails, which typically consist of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Here are a few related cocktails that are worth trying:
- Negroni: The Negroni is the cocktail that inspired the Boulevardier. It consists of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and is typically served on the rocks with an orange twist.
- Old Pal: The Old Pal is a variation on the Boulevardier that swaps out the bourbon for rye whiskey and uses dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. This gives the cocktail a drier, spicier flavor.
- Kingston Negroni: The Kingston Negroni is a tropical twist on the classic Negroni. It uses Jamaican rum instead of gin, and adds a splash of pineapple juice and lime juice to give the cocktail a fruity, refreshing flavor.
- Boulevardier Sour: The Boulevardier Sour is a variation on the classic Boulevardier that adds lemon juice and simple syrup to create a sweet-and-sour flavor profile. The cocktail is shaken with ice and served up in a cocktail glass, with a cherry garnish.
- Cardinale: The Cardinale is a Negroni variation that uses red wine instead of sweet vermouth. This gives the cocktail a rich, fruity flavor and a deep red color. It’s typically served on the rocks with an orange twist.
Enjoy your Boulevardier cocktail!
