Boulevardier
Despite the rather precious monikor, the Boulevardier is macho all the way.
by Erin Henderson
Old leather and crackling fires. Flannel coats and three-day stubble. Strong coffee and enamel mugs. Sturdy boots, wool socks and felt fedoras.
These are the images I see when I think about a Boulevardier and the kind of person who drinks one.
A Boulevardier is the rugged, outdoorsy cousin of the sophisticated Negroni. They both share the same lineage of Campari and sweet vermouth but live on different branches of the family tree: Negroni, the Italian playboy count who wears fine silks and visits the opera, and Boulevardier, who takes up residence in a custom log cabin deep in the Alberta wilderness.
Boulevardier as a literal translation means "wealthy, fashionable socialite." Which to me doesn't match the smoky, rich, earthy notes of the strong cocktail. However, I wasn't around in Paris in 1920 when it was invented.
Boulevardier
This is a spirit-forward cocktail that is easy enough to throw together a la minute. However, if you find yourself trekking along the Back 40, you could always fill a canteen full of Boulevardier to get you through the journey. Just multiply how many drinks you need and add a teaspoon of water for each to make up for dilution.
Makes: 1 drink
Bartender level: easy
Ingredients:
- 1 oz bourbon or Canadian whisky (such as Bearface)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz red vermouth
- Orange peel, for garnish
How to Make It:
- In a mixing glass filled with ice add the whisky, Campari and vermouth and stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass and strain the Boulevardier into it.
- Garnish with the orange peel and serve.
