Recognised variation

Boulevardier

Whiskey in place of gin. Grain sweetness and oak sit under the bitter.

Structure

Required
Optional

What changed from the Classic

GinWhiskey

Bourbon or rye

Red bitter and Rosso vermouth stay.

Taste

Bitterness
Gentle
Bitter
Sweetness
Dry
Sweet
Body
Light
Full
Herbal character
Clean
Herbal
Strength feel
Softer
Stronger

Whiskey gives the bitter and vermouth another kind of company. Oak and spice can sit comfortably with a rich middle, and a warming aroma can belong to a drink served properly cold. The supporting wine matters as much as the familiar bourbon-or-rye choice. It can bring roundness or add its own bitter character. Choosing a Boulevardier is a whiskey decision and a vermouth decision. There is plenty of pleasure in taking both seriously.

The story

This one has been in the cocktail books long enough to feel like an old relative of the Negroni. Whiskey takes the gin’s place, bringing grain, oak and warmth to the bitter and vermouth. The whiskey brings its own fruit, wood and spice, while the vermouth can round the bitterness or add bite of its own. Choose the two together.

Make a Boulevardier

Different bottles change the balance. Choose a mix to see its ingredients and method.

Structure

Taste

Make a Boulevardier

Around the drink