The Boulevardier is often described as the whiskey lover’s Negroni, and honestly, once you taste it you will understand why. It swaps gin for bourbon or rye, which turns the whole drink warmer, deeper, and a little more like a hug in a glass.
Quick note before we get into it, this is the Boulevardier, not to be confused with “Boulevard,” which is a totally different drink. Easy mix up, but you deserve the real thing.
This cocktail dates all the way back to 1920s Paris, where it is credited to Erskine Gwynne, an American writer who ran a magazine actually called Boulevardier. It slipped into obscurity for decades and then came roaring back during the craft cocktail boom, and now it is a certified modern classic. I love that a drink this good got a second act.
It keeps the same equal parts simplicity as a Negroni, just with a rounder, richer profile that feels perfect for cooler evenings. The bitterness and sweetness are both still there, just wrapped in something softer.
Boulevardier vs Negroni, What Is the Difference?
They are cousins, not twins, and both are wonderful in their own way.
- Base spirit: Boulevardier uses bourbon or rye, Negroni uses gin
- Flavor profile: Boulevardier is warmer and rounder, Negroni is brighter and more botanical
- Best season: Boulevardier shines in fall and winter, Negroni is a year round favorite
- Vibe: Boulevardier feels like a cozy fireside sip, Negroni feels like an aperitivo on a sunny terrace
If you love the Old Fashioned too, the Boulevardier is basically the sweet spot between that and a Negroni, and I think that is exactly why people fall for it so hard.
Choosing Your Bourbon, Rye, and Sweet Vermouth
Bourbon gives you a rounder, sweeter Boulevardier, while rye brings a spicier, drier edge that a lot of bartenders reach for first. Both are wonderful, so this really comes down to what you love in a whiskey cocktail already.
For the vermouth, look for a good sweet red vermouth like Carpano Antica, Dolin Rouge, or Cocchi di Torino. Each one brings its own little personality, from Carpano’s rich vanilla warmth to Dolin’s lighter, more delicate sweetness, so it is genuinely fun to try a couple and see which one feels like yours.
You can find great bourbon, rye, and vermouth options over at The Whisky Exchange, which is always my go to for building out a home bar.
How to Serve a Boulevardier
This drink is just as happy solo as it is at a gathering. For a crowd, batch it ahead of time in the same ratio, keep it in the fridge, and stir it over ice right before serving so nothing gets watered down too early. It makes hosting so much easier and you get to actually enjoy your own party.
Variations to Try
Once you have the classic down, it is so much fun to play around.
- Swap in rye instead of bourbon for a spicier, drier pour
- Try our Benriach Boulevardier, which brings Speyside whisky and a splash of cherry syrup into the mix
- Explore the Crystal Garden Boulevardier, a modern take built around Westward Whiskey
- For a lower proof version, use half the usual spirit and top with soda water
- For an alcohol free take, swap in a non-alcoholic amaro and a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, keeping the same equal ratio
Why Lush Life Loves It
This is what I reach for when I want a Negroni but with a bit more weight. It has that same structure I love, just with a slightly softer, more relaxed feel.
Here is the recipe
Boulevardier
Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange Twist
Instructions
- Add all the spirits to an old fashioned glass filled with ice
- Stir until chilled
- Express an orange twist over the cocktail and add it to the glass
