A Boulevardier is super similar to a Negroni. Both are made with Campari and Sweet Vermouth but unlike a Negroni, a Boulevardier is made with Bourbon instead of Gin. The results are completely different yet undeniably delicious!
The Boulevardier Cocktail
This might sound strange, but I'd say I owe a lot to the boulevardier. The night that Jeremy and I actually became official happened after drinking about 400 of them. Hah!
It all started after I had just moved my stuff down from Brooklyn to Florida. I was unpacking boxes and feeling sorry for myself. Then my phone buzzed. I got a text from a friend who invited me over to their yard party. In front of me, sat the three bottles that reminded me of Brooklyn - Campari, Sweet Vermouth and Gin. But for some reason, I felt weird taking them. Instead, I decided to grab a bottle of Bulleit. I had just had a boulevardier for the first time a few nights ago at a bar in Greenpoint so I guess it was fresh on my mind.
Little did I know that these three bottles would somehow influence my future.
Unbeknownst to me, Jeremy would later show up at the party and I'd pour him one. To be honest, I loved making them because they were super easy to make yet tasted amazing. They also got me lit pretty quickly which was something I loved back then. Turns out, Jeremy really loved them, too!
We drank so many that I kind of don't really remember the afternoon. I do remember later that night when we were walking on the beach and starring at the full moon. He looked at me and asked me to be exclusive. Like a total jerk, I burst out laughing. I guess after living in Brooklyn so long, and normalizing Peter Pan boys, this idea just seemed insane. But upon realizing how stupid I was to laugh at something so sweet and real, I said omg yes. Now four years later, THIS MONTH, we're still together and are happily married.
Cheers to that!
How to Make a The Boulevardier Cocktail
To make a boulevardier, you'll need Bourbon, Campari and Sweet Vermouth. The ratio is 1-1-1.5 which makes it super simple to remember. Place 1 giant ice cube in a rocks glass. Add 1 oz Campari and 1 oz of Sweet Vermouth, and 1.5 oz Bourbon. Stir and serve with an orange or lemon peel.
As for brands, Campari is Campari so that's easy. For bourbon, we love Bulleit. And for Sweet Vermouth, we love Punt e Mes as it's a little more fruity, juicy and fun than most Sweet Vermouths.
RECIPE: The Boulevardier
Recipe
The Boulevardier
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Bourbon Bulleit
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth Punt e Mes
Instructions
- Place 1 giant ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Add 1.5 oz Bourbon, 1 oz Campari and 1 oz of Sweet Vermouth.
- Stir and serve with an orange or lemon peel.
If you'd like to pair this boulevardier with something to eat, I'd recommend one of these:
Smoked Ham and Bourbon Gouda Galette: I think most of us can agree that there’s truly nothing better than the combination of cheese, pork, and whiskey. When you combine those said ingredients into a delicious and gorgeous galette, the results are totally sinful and utterly magical.
This Cheap Yet Baller Cheese Plate: Building a beautiful yet cheap cheese plate is way easier than you think. You can either follow my exact lead and make this same cheese board from Trader Joes or you could follow my guide and build your own. Either way, you’ve got this!
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese: This sweet, savory and funky little appetizer is the perfect partner for a boulevardier! And although this recipe is to be presented in a bouquet, you can totally skip that part and just serve them in a bowl. It's like the best fancy yet unfussy bar snack ever!
xoxo,
Kenz aka GCS
