Classic Boulevardier Recipe | Best Whiskey Cocktail

Boulevardier Recipe – The Boulevardier Recipe is a timeless classic cocktail that brings together rich bourbon, bitter Campari, and sweet vermouth to create a drink that is both bold and refined. Often described as the whiskey lover’s version of the Negroni, the Boulevardier offers a deeper, warmer, and more luxurious taste experience. Its origins date back to the 1920s, where it first appeared in the writings of American-born writer Erskine Gwynne, founder of The Boulevardier magazine in Paris. Since then, this drink has found its place among the world’s most iconic cocktails.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Resting Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Cuisine: American / Classic Cocktail

Course: Drinks / Cocktail

Servings: 1 cocktail

Calories: ~195 calories per serving

Ingredients

Classic Boulevardier Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon (or rye whiskey for a spicier version)

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Ice cubes

• Orange peel or cherry, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Mixing glass

• Bar spoon

• Jigger (for measuring)

• Strainer

• Old-fashioned glass or coupe glass

• Vegetable peeler (for orange garnish)

• Ice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

1. Chill your serving glass by placing it in the freezer for 3–5 minutes or filling it with ice water.

2. This helps maintain the cocktail’s smooth, cold consistency.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

1. In a mixing glass, add:

   • 1 oz bourbon

   • 1 oz Campari

   • 1 oz sweet vermouth

2. Add a generous handful of ice cubes.

Step 3: Stir the Cocktail

1. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds.

2. Stirring—rather than shaking—ensures proper dilution and preserves the cocktail’s silky texture.

3. The goal is to chill the drink while balancing its rich and bitter notes.

Step 4: Strain Into Your Glass

1. Discard any ice or water from your chilled serving glass.

2. Strain the mixture into the glass.

3. You may serve it neat in a coupe or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.

Step 5: Add a Garnish

1. Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface of the drink by twisting it gently.

2. Rub the peel along the rim of the glass for added aroma.

3. Drop it in the drink or replace with a cherry for a sweeter touch.

Tips for the Best Boulevardier

• Use quality vermouth. Fresh vermouth makes a huge difference—store it in the fridge after opening.

• Control dilution. Stirring too little will make it strong and sharp; too much will weaken the flavor.

• Large ice works best. It melts slower and preserves the cocktail longer.

• Balance ratios. The classic ratio is 1:1:1, but you can adjust:

  • More bourbon for stronger warmth

  • More Campari for bolder bitterness

  • More vermouth for smoother sweetness

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Conclusion

The Boulevardier is a cocktail that embodies sophistication, history, and effortless elegance. With its rich whiskey base balanced by Campari’s signature bitterness and vermouth’s herbal sweetness, it delivers a smooth and complex flavor profile perfect for an evening drink. Whether served neat in a coupe or over ice in a rocks glass, the Boulevardier is a cocktail that never loses its charm.