Bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth stirred to a warm, bittersweet glow — the Boulevardier is a Negroni wrapped in a whiskey coat. Rich, bold, and deeply satisfying, it is the cocktail for those who want their bitterness with a little more backbone.
Ingredients
Glass
Lowball
The Story
The Boulevardier was created in the late 1920s by Erskine Gwynne, a wealthy American expatriate living in Paris. Gwynne published a literary magazine called The Boulevardier, and the cocktail that shared its name first appeared in Harry McElhone's 1927 book Barflies and Cocktails. The recipe was elegantly simple: swap the gin in a Negroni for bourbon.
For decades the Boulevardier lived in the Negroni's shadow, known mainly to bartenders and cocktail historians. The craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s finally brought it back into the spotlight, and today it stands proudly as a modern classic in its own right.
How We Make It
Mixing Glass
Fill a mixing glass with ice and chill it.
Pour
Add 45ml bourbon, 30ml Campari, and 30ml sweet vermouth.
Stir
Stir gently for about 30 seconds until the drink chills and integrates.
Strain & Garnish
Strain into a lowball glass with one large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel expressed over the drink.
Variations
Rye Boulevardier
Swapping the bourbon for rye whiskey adds spiciness and a subtle kick that highlights the bitterness of the Campari.
Smoked Boulevardier
Adding mezcal in place of part of the bourbon introduces a layer of smoke that takes the drink to a whole new level.
Amaro Boulevardier
Replacing the Campari with an amaro like Cynar or Averna creates a version with softer bitterness and herbal notes.
Bartender Tips
Bourbon Choice Matters
Use a high-proof bourbon with plenty of character — something around 100 proof. A timid bourbon will get lost behind the Campari and vermouth.
Stir, Don't Shake
Like the Negroni — gentle stirring preserves clarity and texture. Shaking creates a cloudy drink.
Orange Peel Is Essential
Expressing an orange peel over the drink releases aromatic oils that add an entire dimension of aroma and flavor.