Boulevardier

Boulevardier vs. Negroni and Old Fashioned

Boulevardier blends bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, offering a balanced yet bold flavor profile. It’s often considered the bourbon cousin of the Negroni, as both share Campari and sweet vermouth as ingredients. The key difference lies in the base spirit: the Boulevardier uses bourbon, while the Negroni opts for gin. The Negroni, on the other hand, combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The gin introduces a botanical complexity, making the Negroni a more herbal and slightly lighter drink than the Boulevardier. 

The Old Fashioned takes a different route altogether. It features bourbon or rye whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters. Unlike the Boulevardier and Negroni, it contains no aperitifs like Campari or vermouth. It’s a simpler drink in terms of ingredients but offers a rich, satisfying taste.

How do you pronounce Boulevardier?

It’s a French word so it might look intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think. Pronounce it as “boo-leh-var-dee-eh.” The first syllable is “boo,” like a ghost might say. The second part, “leh,” is quick and straightforward. “Var” sounds like “car” but with a ‘v.’ Finally, “dee-eh” rounds it out.

Boulevardier Variations

Want to expand your Boulevardier game? We recommend one of these variations:

• Rye Boulevardier: A spicier, more robust flavor emerges by blending rye whiskey with traditional ingredients. The peppery notes of the rye whiskey create a bolder, more assertive taste, which I find particularly appealing for its warmth and depth.
• Scotch Boulevardier: Scotch takes the stage, replacing the usual base spirit, and adds a smoky, peaty element. This smokiness complements the bitter and sweet components, offering a unique, complex experience. The peaty character of the scotch makes this one stand out for me, as it adds an intriguing layer of flavor.
• Aperol Boulevardier: Lighter, slightly bitter, and citrusy, Aperol brightens the overall flavor. This choice makes the drink more refreshing and approachable, especially for those who prefer a less intense bitterness.
• Mezcal Boulevardier: Mezcal introduces a smoky, earthy quality. The smokiness, coupled with mezcal’s distinctive agave flavor, creates a rustic and intriguing twist. The earthy tones of mezcal in this concoction are a highlight for me, offering a unique and memorable sipping experience.
• Cognac Boulevardier: Cognac’s inclusion brings a rich, fruity, and slightly sweet character. This transforms the drink into a more luxurious, velvety experience, where the cognac’s elegance shines through.
• Grapefruit Twist Boulevardier: A hint of grapefruit, either as a garnish or a juice component, adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly bitter citrus note. The grapefruit’s zesty flavor complements the bitterness and adds a refreshing twist.
• Barrel-Aged Boulevardier: The aging process in a barrel allows the ingredients to meld and develop over time, resulting in a smoother, more rounded profile. Subtle wood and vanilla notes enhance the complexity due to the aging.
• Coffee Boulevardier: A rich, robust, and slightly bitter coffee flavor comes into play, complementing the herbal and sweet notes. The addition of coffee appeals to me greatly, as it brings a comforting and familiar flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

History and origin of the Boulevardier

The Boulevardier cocktail traces its roots back to the 1920s Parisian social scene. Erskine Gwynne, an American expatriate and the editor of a magazine called “Boulevardier,” is credited with creating this classic drink. Gwynne was a nephew of railroad tycoon Alfred Vanderbilt and moved to Paris to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant culture. He frequented Harry’s New York Bar, a popular spot among American expatriates, where he collaborated with bartender Harry MacElhone to concoct the Boulevardier.

The drink quickly gained popularity among the high-society circles of Paris and later returned to the United States. It’s often considered the bourbon cousin of the Negroni, as both cocktails share two of the same ingredients: Campari and sweet vermouth. The substitution of bourbon for gin gives the Boulevardier its distinct, robust flavor, setting it apart as a classic in its own right.