The Boulevardier is often described as a whiskey Negroni, but replacing gin with bourbon or rye gives the drink a warmer, richer and more oak-led personality.
Classic Boulevardier recipe
- 1½ oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel
- Add the whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe, or over one large cube in a rocks glass.
- Express an orange peel over the drink and use it as garnish.
An equal-parts version is bolder and more bitter. The 1½:1:1 version above gives the whiskey more room without making the drink overly strong.
Bourbon or rye?
| Whiskey | What it adds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | Caramel, vanilla and rounded sweetness | A softer, richer Boulevardier |
| Rye | Pepper, herbs and firmer spice | A drier cocktail with more tension |
| Higher-proof whiskey | Greater structure and a longer finish | Standing up to bitter aperitivo and vermouth |
Browse bourbon for a rounder version or rye whiskey for a spicier drink. A whiskey with enough body and proof will generally remain more distinct after stirring.
Whiskey suggestions by style
- Wheated bourbon: Softens the drink and emphasizes caramel.
- High-rye bourbon: Balances sweetness with baking spice.
- Kentucky rye: Creates a robust, peppery Boulevardier.
- Irish whiskey: Makes a lighter, fruitier variation.
- Smoky Scotch: Works as a deliberate riff, but peat can quickly dominate.
How to improve your Boulevardier
- Keep vermouth refrigerated after opening.
- Taste the vermouth on its own before mixing.
- Use a fresh orange peel and express the oils over the surface.
- Stir rather than shake to maintain clarity and a silky texture.
- Adjust the ratio before changing every ingredient.
Explore the wider whiskey collection to build your preferred version.
Sources
Source: https://www.campariacademy.com/en-ch/training/recipes/boulevardier/,
