What Exactly is the Boulevardier?
The Boulevardier is essentially the bourbon cousin of the classic Negroni. With its blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, this cocktail is rich, complex, and slightly bitter with a smooth bourbon finish. Perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated cocktail with a bite, the Boulevardier offers a more robust drinking experience than its gin-based counterpart. Bourbon’s caramel and oak notes provide a luxurious counterbalance to Campari’s bitter edge and the sweet richness of vermouth, creating a drink that’s as satisfying as it is nuanced.
The Best Occasions to Enjoy the Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a great choice for cooler months or more formal occasions. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner party or simply want to savor something rich and flavorful, this cocktail works well in settings where you can appreciate its depth of flavor. It’s also popular as a pre-dinner aperitif.
How to Make It
Here’s a simple Boulevardier recipe:
- Ingredients
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist for garnish
- Directions:
- Combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Recipe Credit: Liquor.com’s Boulevardier Recipe.
What People Are Saying about the Boulevardier Cocktail
Fans of the Boulevardier often describe it as the perfect drink for bourbon lovers who want a slightly bitter cocktail. One fan on Instagram mentions, “I love the bourbon in a Boulevardier—it adds just the right amount of warmth to offset the bitterness of Campari. Perfect for sipping by the fire.”
Here's a Fun Fact
The Boulevardier dates back to the 1920s and was first mentioned in Harry McElhone’s book Barflies and Cocktails. It was named after Erskine Gwynne, an American expat who founded a magazine called The Boulevardier in Paris.
The balance of bourbon, Campari, and vermouth in a Boulevardier mirrors how Rickhouse Holding Company approaches its investment strategy: balancing risk and reward to generate the best possible returns. We invest in young bourbon barrels and allow them to age into the high-demand four-year range, just as the flavors in a Boulevardier develop into something truly refined over time. With bourbon continuing to grow in popularity, our approach offers investors a way to take advantage of its appreciating value.
