The Boulevardier Recipe (2024)

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Andy Dufresne

The Boulevardier, like its cousin the Negroni, is a fantastic co*cktail for a sophisticated palate. This recipe is excellent, but differs from the 1-1-1 proportions of the classic recipe. I strongly prefer it made with rye whiskey.

SteveAC10

There's a bar/restaurant in suburban Minneapolis that serves what is essentially a Boulevardier that adds the Campari in the form of an ice cube skewered together with Luxardo cherries. Ingenious really, because the drink stays cool but doesn't get watered down as the ice melts. The roblem is they go down far too easily.

MarkL

I actually made the 1:1:1 version found elsewhere. I used rye and it was delicious, but a little too sweet. I added a few drops of orange bitters and it was even better. I will keep experimenting.

NLC

bool'-vahr--dee-ay.

Steven's Wine and Food Blog

I agree with your proportions, Andy. I have also moved off Campari to Aperitivo. That red dye in Campari can’t be good for you. In addition, Aperitivo is more herbal, adding complexity to the co*cktail.

John V

Made this with rye and it was fantastic. Will try it with bourbon tonight. Tried one of these with Martini and Rossi a few weeks ago and it was awful. Went and got Carpano Antica and what a difference. I could drink a million of these. REFRIGERATE YOUR VERMOUTH!

Jojo

Delicious! Plus, because the proportions are so simple it's easy to make for a crowd.

Kim

I prefer it with an orange twist. Delicious either way.

gordon

I've been making these for quite some time. I prefer the simpler 1:1:1 ratio with rye. I also drop in a good cherry like a Luxardo.

VinceGraceFood

This was excellent. Probably too sweet for me with Bourbon, but I made again with Rye and it was perfect

Wes Clavey

Made with rye, this is called My Old Pal. I have made many variations of this drink but my favorites are using bacon infused rye or bacon infused bourbon. In addition, Leopold Brothers makes a good apertif alternative to Campari that complements the whiskey nicely.

Mike Czechowski

Love these proportions with 100 proof Knob Creek rye. This is now one of my favorite co*cktails - along with the Negroni itself!

Dave Paley

In the "classic" recipe (1-1-1) the Campari completely overwhelms. In this variation (2-1-1) it still dominates - Campari is very strong. I recommend proportions of 2-1-1/2.

robWeeve,

pinterest it under "co*cktails"

Nicole

Excellent this way. My winter drink when it's too cold for a negroni or a whiskey sour

Jeff

Just made one, added the hickory smoke. ShaZamm

Guy

This is a lovely drink. We added a few drops of lemon juice. It tempers the bitters.

Sonia

Too much whiskey. Really delicious but would probably not make me fall asleep if 1:1:1. Maybe keep ratio but make a smaller drink.

sheri

This is probably my favorite co*cktail. I prefer the 1:1:1 ratio, and have to drink these with caution. They’re very potent. IMO it’s better with Bullet Rye and Carpano Antico Vermouth, along with Campari and a slice of orange zest. Cheers!

emma b

Cocchi vermouth is the way to go. Cinzano is awful and carpano is very good but overpriced.

John V

Made this with rye and it was fantastic. Will try it with bourbon tonight. Tried one of these with Martini and Rossi a few weeks ago and it was awful. Went and got Carpano Antica and what a difference. I could drink a million of these. REFRIGERATE YOUR VERMOUTH!

C

Different vermouths have different profiles. M&R works for some drinks, but not all. Noilly Pratt has a different profile from Dolin and I prefer one over the other depending on the other liquor in the drink. For example, Noilly is great with whiskey or vodka, but not so with gin, which works well with Dolin.

G from Jersey

Terrific but recommend milder Canadian whisky....

brutallyfrank

When made with rye instead of bourbon, it's an Old Pal. A recipe for which also appears on this site.https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12522-old-pal

G from Jersey

@brutallyfrank I see that. But believe with rye (per my comment - believe Canadian whiskey is the way to go) is still the same drink. WineEnthusiast agreed on January 9, 2021.

todd sf

Boulevardiers and Negronis are on my short list of “go to” co*cktails- they never get old. I enjoy experimenting with all the varieties of sweet Vermouths currently out there, Antica Formula being just one of many possibilities. A recent favorite is the Blood Orange Mommenpop Vermouth out of Napa- Nice and bright, it adds real verve to whichever your making …

John

I've always made these with a nice large orange peel shave, twisted, and just mix it on the rocks directly. sometimes I add some soda like pellegrino into a taller glass.

Olivia

Followed the recipe portions of 2-1-1 and preferred it to 1-1-1, but added a couple drops of orange bitters as others suggested and loved the depth of flavor it added. Will definitely make again!

JayRE

I'll give this a go, it looks right up my street. However, "something richer and more complex than just a whiskey " ... oh dear.

lily kumpe

Made this along with the 1:1:1 version. Then my husband and I blind taste-tested the two. Even though my husband is biased against the nytimes, it was unanimous; we both prefer the nytimes recipe and even doctored up the other to match.

Andrew Bor

Perfect proportions with 80proof bourbon or rye; a touch austere with the 100proof Knob Creek rye - will try making the proportions closer to 1:1:1

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The Boulevardier Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is Boulevardier better with bourbon or rye? ›

Perhaps, rather than a spicier bourbon, opt for rye whiskey in bourbon's place instead. This is an allowable alteration within the confines of the modern Boulevardier. It makes sense for the palate too, with the spicy rye offsetting the sweet vermouth to a stronger degree than most bourbons.

What's a substitute for Campari? ›

Here are some of our favorites to try, especially if you're a fan of Campari.
  • Aperol.
  • Select Aperitivo.
  • Cappelletti Aperitivo.
  • Contratto Bitter.
  • Galliano L'Aperitivo.
  • Forthave RED.
  • Faccia Brutto Aperitivo.
  • St. Agrestis Inferno Bitter Aperitivo.
Nov 28, 2022

What does a Boulevardier taste like? ›

Employing whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari, the Boulevardier is simply a variation on the classic Negroni that is adored for its deft balance of bitter, boozy and sweet.

What type of liquor is Campari? ›

Campari (Italian: [kamˈpaːri]) is an Italian alcoholic liqueur, considered an apéritif (20.5%, 21%, 24%, 25%, or 28.5% ABV, depending on the country where it is sold), of the amaro variety, obtained from the infusion of herbs and fruit (including chinotto and cascarilla) in alcohol and water.

What whiskey is best for boulevardier co*cktail? ›

For bourbon, Bulleit, Knob Creek, and Four Roses are all great choices. For rye, I like Bulleit or Sazerac.

What is the best whiskey for a boulevardier? ›

Here are the best bottles for your Boulevardier.
  • George Dickel Classic No. 8 Whiskey. ...
  • Bulleit Bourbon. ...
  • Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon. ...
  • Hochstadter's Vatted Straight Rye Whiskey. ...
  • Basil Hayden's Dark Rye. ...
  • Templeton Rye. ...
  • Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Mar 14, 2018

What fruit makes Campari? ›

The company will only confirm bitter orange peel is part of the recipe but it is also believed to contain: quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, chinotto (myrtle-leaved orange tree) and Cascarilla bark.

Which is sweeter, Aperol or Campari? ›

Aperol is sweeter than Campari and has around 11 percent ABV level. The biggest difference may be how they're used. Aperol is used to complement other flavors in co*cktails and mixed drinks because it doesn't have a high alcohol level. Campari has a higher alcohol content and more flavor.

What is the best bitter liquor for a Negroni? ›

Some might adjust proportions, and others argue over which gin and sweet vermouth to use, but one thing's almost always a given: Campari is the red bitter of choice.

What kind of person drinks a Boulevardier? ›

This mysterious drink, whose name loosely translated means “a wealthy, fashionable socialite,” is a subtle combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari that mixes impressively yet, it's a breeze to prepare.

Is the Boulevardier the same as Negroni? ›

The Negroni uses gin, and the Boulevardier is made with bourbon. It's a simple switch that makes a hell of a difference. Where the gin keeps a Negroni citrus-forward, light, and refreshing, the bourbon drags you down into the depths, through layers of flavor.

Is a Boulevardier before or after dinner? ›

The classic Boulevardier is the perfect pre/during/after-dinner co*cktail. Its the kind of co*cktail that is not only delicious, but will garner a nod of approval from your bartender.

Is Amaretto same Campari? ›

Amaretto is much sweeter than Italy's bitter amaro, like Cynar and Campari, but it retains enough bitterness to keep it from being cloying. Depending on the brand, you might also get hints of spices or botanicals.

Is Campari good for your stomach? ›

We know that Campari and aperitifs in general aid in digestion and gut health, but here's how those benefits actually come to fruition. According to Dr. Health Benefits, Campari supports the body's enzyme production in the digestive system. These enzymes break down starches into smaller, more manageable molecules.

How do Italians drink Campari? ›

In the Veneto region, people drink their Campari in a much more complex co*cktail called a "spritz," made of Campari, Cynar (a bitter herb liqueur), white wine, and soda water garnished with an olive and a wedge.

Is rye or bourbon better for co*cktails? ›

The Difference in Flavor

American Rye whiskey tends to have a bit more spice, with savory undertones in the whiskey's finish. American Rye whiskey is typically used over Bourbon in the classic co*cktail recipe. This is because an average co*cktail recipe calls for sugar or a mixture or sweeter liquors.

Should an old fashioned be made with bourbon or rye? ›

Consequently, some traditionalists insist an Old-Fashioned should be made with rye, but bourbon is equally correct and the choice of whiskey should be entirely up to the personal taste of the drinker. Bourbon makes a mellow, slightly sweeter drink, while rye adds more spice and kick.

What tastes better rye or bourbon? ›

Those who prefer their co*cktails with more of a kick will choose rye. Those who want a smoother and sweeter drinking experience go with bourbon. While some people may use rye and bourbon interchangeably, knowing the difference between the two can really step up your co*cktail game.

Which is better rye or bourbon? ›

A mellow, sweeter drink or something that is spicier, drier, and adds kick? If you prefer the first option, then Bourbon is definitely the right choice for you, while if you prefer the latter, then Rye whiskey is the way to go!

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