Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a strong whiskey spirit-forward cocktail, sweet and bitter on the palate. Stirred and served in a cocktail glass.
Flavor profile
- Sweet
- 85 out of 100
- Fruity
- 34 out of 100
- Bitter
- 83 out of 100
- Herbal
- 50 out of 100
- Boozy
- 78 out of 100
How to make a Boulevardier
To make a Boulevardier, stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass: 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth and 1¼ oz rye whiskey. Garnish with orange peel.
You'll need
- Campari1 oz
- Sweet Vermouth1 oz
- Rye whiskey1¼ oz
- Orange Peelgarnish
Instructions
- 1
Chill a cocktail glass: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.
- 2
Pour Campari, sweet vermouth and rye whiskey into a mixing glass (any sturdy glass works).
- 3
Fill it with ice.
- 4
Stir for 20-30 seconds, until the outside is cold to the touch.
- 5
Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
- 6
Garnish with an orange twist.
Why stir? Campari, sweet vermouth and rye whiskey are clear, so a gentle stir over ice chills and dilutes them without clouding the drink.
Boulevardier questions
What does a Boulevardier taste like, and is it sweet?
Yes, it's on the sweet side: it's mostly sweet and bitter, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a strong drink at about 23% ABV once mixed.
How much alcohol is in a Boulevardier?
About 23% ABV after mixing with ice, stronger than wine, lighter than a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a Boulevardier and a Highland Fling Cocktail?
Both use sweet vermouth and rye whiskey. The Boulevardier adds Campari, while the Highland Fling Cocktail uses Orange bitters.
Should a Boulevardier be shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Campari, sweet vermouth and rye whiskey are clear, so stirring chills it while keeping it silky; shaking would cloud it with tiny bubbles.
What can I use instead of campari?
Aperol (lighter, sweeter) will work.
What glass do you serve a Boulevardier in?
A cocktail glass.