Boulevardier Three Ways

For Negroni Week in 2020, all three members of the Cadre experimented with a few different Negroni-adjacent cocktails then video-chatted about them due to the pandemic lockdowns. After making a standard Negroni on the first night, we opted for a Boulevardier on Night #2. We each made the drink slightly differently using different base spirits, vermouths, proportions, and glassware.

While the Boulevardier is a relative of the Negroni, swapping whiskey for gin, it saw print first in 1927, whereas the Negroni did not appear in print until 20 years later.

Straight up or on the rocks, Rye Whiskey or Bourbon, the Boulevardier is a rich, flavorful cocktail perfect for cool evening nights as summer turns to fall and a great drink to serve during Negroni Week.

Boulevardier: Martin’s Version

Of his creation, Martin said, “I used Larceny Bourbon mainly because it was the bottle I had open on my bar at the time. Somehow, my other bottles of Bourbon and Rye had disappeared during the pandemic.”

• 1.0 oz Larceny Bourbon Whiskey
• 1.0 oz Campari
• 1.0 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
• Orange peel
• Preparation: Stir all ingredients over ice until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Express the oils of the orange peel over the top, then drop into the glass.

 

Boulevardier: John’s Version

John notes that he opted for a higher measure of whiskey (a common adjustment) and used Rye Whiskey instead of Bourbon. He served his creation up in antique Nick-and-Nora glasses, then “lovingly spilled over a Scrabble board, a family tradition.”

• 1.5 oz Bulleit Rye Whiskey
• 1.0 oz Campari
• 1.0 oz Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth
• Garnish: Orange peel
• Preparation: Stir all ingredients over ice until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled Nick-and-Nora glass. Express the oils of the orange peel over the top, then drop into the glass.

 

Boulevardier: Jeff’s Version

Jeff used the standard equal-parts ratio and Bourbon Whiskey, but switched up the Campari by using a limited edition Campari Cask Tales Bourbon Barrel Aged Bitter. His partner opted for a heavier measure of Bourbon (1.5 oz) and a lower amount of Sweet Vermouth (0.5 oz), and “enjoyed hers with what might be a Death Star ice sphere.”

• 1.0 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
• 1.0 oz Campari Cask Takes Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bitters
• 1.0 oz Campano Antica Sweet Vermouth
• Garnish: Orange peel
• Preparation: Stir all ingredients over ice until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Express the oils of the orange peel over the top, then drop into the glass.