Boulevardier Cocktail
And we’re back! Last week I took a break from my weekly cocktail post so I could participate in Lucky Leaf’s virtual summer potluck. So, if you were concerned that I would no longer be making retro cocktails and sharing their history with you, don’t fret because today it’s back to our regularly scheduled programming. And what better way to come back than with a Boulevardier.
Two weeks ago I shared the Negroni with you, an Italian cocktail created shortly after WWI. Well today’s cocktail is the American cousin. It’s also made with Campari and Sweet Vermouth, but instead of gin, we get to use my favorite booze: bourbon! It’s just as potent as the Negroni but if you’re like me and prefer bourbon over gin, you’ll probably appreciate this drink a little more.
As I mentioned the Negroni was created in Italy just after WWI. Well, the Boulevardier was created around the same time, during Prohibition to be precise. See, the Volstead Act created two different types of bartenders: those that relished in adventure and creating new drinks out of bathtub gin and those that preferred the real stuff. Those that preferred real cocktails made with real alcohol moved to Europe where they could continue their trade without the fear of imprisonment. One such bartender was Harry McElhone who ran the bar at the Plaza Hotel in New York. By the time Prohibition hit Harry was already across the pond. He settled in Paris, France and opened up Harry’s New York Bar. There he was able to continue making all the drinks he’d come to know and love as well as create some new ones using ingredients that could be only found in Europe; ingredients like Campari. Of course Harry knew of and made Negronis, but since he was an American first and foremost and Americans love their bourbon, Harry decided to substitute the bourbon for the gin and thus the Boulevardier was born.
So no matter whether you like bourbon or gin, if you’re a fan of Campari, both drinks are definitely worth a try.
Boulevardier Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for a minute and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.
I haven’t tried any of these drinks! I’m so ashamed 🙁
Don’t be ashamed. The good news, there’s still plenty of time to mix up some of these cocktails and sample them. Maybe you could host a cocktail party.
I recently had a barrel-aged Boulevardier at local restaurant…it was incredible!
Hey Jenn,
It’s been a while since you authored this post, but I just discovered the Boulevardier and it’s certainly delicious. Granted, I’m a big Negroni fan and most people aren’t keen on bitter Campari’…
Regardless, I also just encountered a cocktail called the 1794; it’s a Boulevardier that uses Rye Whiskey and it’s just as tasty…
Ooh. I love Rye, so I may just have to try the 1794. Thanks for the tip and I’m so glad you like the Boulevardier.