Boulevardier
A rich, bittersweet classic combining bourbon whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth. Bold and warming with layers of spice, bitter orange, herbs and a smooth, lingering finish.
Boulevardier Recipe
- Bourbon whiskey 45 ml
- Campari 30 ml
- Sweet red vermouth 30 ml
- Fresh orange 1 twist
- Ice 150 g, optional
MAKE IT PROPERLY
- Fill a mixing glass generously with ice.
- Add the bourbon whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Stir until properly chilled and lightly diluted, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Express an orange twist over the drink and use it as the garnish.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD BOULEVARDIER?
A good Boulevardier should balance the warmth and structure of whiskey with Campari's distinctive bitterness and the rich herbal sweetness of vermouth.
The bourbon should remain clearly present rather than disappearing behind the Campari. Proper stirring and dilution soften the drink without taking away its bold, spirit-forward character.
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BOULEVARDIER: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Boulevardier, from choosing the right bourbon and vermouth to balancing bitterness, sweetness and proper dilution.
THE STORY BEHIND THE BOULEVARDIER
The Boulevardier emerged during the cocktail culture of 1920s Paris and is associated with American expatriate writer Erskine Gwynne, founder of a Parisian magazine called The Boulevardier.
The cocktail appeared in Harry MacElhone's Barflies and Cocktails, published in 1927, where it was credited to Gwynne.
Its combination of whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth makes it a close relative of the Negroni, replacing gin with whiskey and creating a richer, warmer and more robust cocktail.
Today, the Boulevardier has become one of the defining whiskey-based bittersweet classics.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A BOULEVARDIER
The Boulevardier uses only three main ingredients, so the character of each bottle has a noticeable effect on the finished cocktail.
For the whiskey, we recommend Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey. Its vanilla, oak and distinctive rye spice provide enough structure to remain present alongside Campari and sweet vermouth.
Campari provides the Boulevardier's unmistakable bittersweet backbone, bringing bitter orange, herbs and aromatic complexity.
For the sweet vermouth, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth di Torino is our choice. Its rich herbal character, warming spice and bittersweet depth complement bourbon particularly well and give the cocktail greater complexity.
Finish with fresh orange peel. Expressing the oils over the surface adds fresh citrus aroma without adding additional sweetness.
TECHNIQUE: STIR, STRAIN & SERVE OVER ICE
Add the bourbon whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled generously with ice.
Stir until thoroughly chilled and appropriately diluted. Because the Boulevardier contains no citrus juice or other cloudy ingredients, stirring rather than shaking preserves its smooth texture and clear appearance.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, ideally one large cube, then express an orange twist over the surface before garnishing.
Questions about the Boulevardier
What is a Boulevardier made with?
A Boulevardier combines bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth. Drinkero's version uses bourbon at a slightly higher proportion than the other two ingredients.
What is the difference between a Boulevardier and a Negroni?
A Negroni uses gin, while a Boulevardier replaces the gin with whiskey. This gives the Boulevardier a richer, warmer and more rounded character.
What whiskey is best for a Boulevardier?
Bourbon works particularly well because its vanilla, oak and caramel character balances Campari's bitterness. Drinkero recommends Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey.
What sweet vermouth is best for a Boulevardier?
A rich, aromatic vermouth works particularly well. Drinkero recommends Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino for its depth, spice and ability to stand alongside bourbon and Campari.
Should a Boulevardier be shaken or stirred?
Stirred. The cocktail contains only spirits, aperitif and vermouth, so stirring provides chilling and dilution while maintaining a smooth, clear texture.
Can I make Boulevardiers for a group?
Yes. Choose whether you're making 6, 12, 24 or 48 Boulevardiers and Drinkero calculates the bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth and other ingredients you need.
Is the Boulevardier an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Boulevardier is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as one of The Unforgettables. See the IBA’s official Boulevardier recipe for the classic specification.