Classic cocktails are always in style, and the Boulevardier is no exception. This whiskey-based drink has been delighting bartenders and bar-goers alike for decades, and its rich flavor profile makes it a perfect canvas for experimentation. In this article, we’ll be exploring 19 different Boulevardier recipes with a twist – from smoky mezcal to spiced cinnamon, and even a few unexpected ingredients like rosemary and coffee liqueur. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to spice up your cocktail game, these unique takes on the classic Boulevardier are sure to inspire.
Smoky Boulevardier with Mezcal
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky take on the Boulevardier, featuring bold Mezcal and rich flavors. Perfect for adventurous sippers.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Smoked Orange Liqueur (or regular orange liqueur with a dash of liquid smoke)
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, and Smoked Orange Liqueur.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add Angostura Bitters and stir briefly to layer the flavors.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Bourbon Boulevardier with Orange Bitters
The Bourbon Boulevardier adds a new dimension to the classic whiskey cocktail, with the warmth of bourbon and the brightness of orange bitters. This variation combines the two flavors with sweet vermouth and a hint of complexity.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes orange bitters
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Rye Whiskey Boulevardier with Luxardo Cherry Garnish
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated blend of rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey
– 3/4 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– Lemon twist or cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or Luxardo cherry.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Boulevardier with Barrel-Aged Campari
A Boulevardier variation that combines the complexity of whiskey and the bitterness of Campari, perfect for those who love a strong and sophisticated cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Barrel-Aged Campari
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– Angostura Bitters (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, Barrel-Aged Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: N/A (cocktail preparation only)
Spiced Boulevardier with Cinnamon-Infused Sweet Vermouth
Experience the warm, spicy flavors of autumn with this creative twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. The addition of cinnamon-infused sweet vermouth adds a rich, velvety texture and depth to this complex drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz Cinnamon-Infused Sweet Vermouth (see below for infusion instructions)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Cinnamon-Infused Sweet Vermouth:
– 1 bottle sweet vermouth
– 2 cinnamon sticks
Combine sweet vermouth and cinnamon sticks in a glass jar. Steep for at least 24 hours. Strain before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, Aperol, and Cinnamon-Infused Sweet Vermouth.
3. Add bitters and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
4. Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None. This is a cocktail recipe.
Boulevardier Sour with Egg White Foam
A twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail, this recipe adds a silky egg white foam and a splash of citrus to create a refreshing and complex drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur
– 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
– 1 dash Angostura Bitters
– Egg White
– Ice
– Orange Twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
3. Crack an egg white into the shaker and continue shaking for another 5-7 seconds, until the mixture becomes frothy and doubled in volume.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None
Winter Spiced Boulevardier with Allspice Dram
Elevate your cocktail game this winter with a warm and spicy twist on the classic Boulevardier.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz allspice dram
– 1/2 oz Carpano Antica sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, allspice dram, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Boulevardier Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup
Elevate your classic Old Fashioned cocktail with the subtle sweetness of maple syrup and the bold flavors of a Boulevardier. This unique twist combines whiskey, vermouth, bitters, and a hint of sweetness for a complex and refined drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– 1/4 oz Maple Syrup
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
2. Add maple syrup and stir until well combined.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Rosemary-Infused Boulevardier
This refreshing twist on the classic Boulevardier combines the bold flavors of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with the herbaceous essence of rosemary. Perfect for warm evenings or as a unique apéritif.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 10-12 sprigs of fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- Soda water and ice
Instructions:
- Pour the whiskey into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Add the sweet vermouth and bitters. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Strip the rosemary sprigs by gently pulling the leaves from the stems, then add the stripped rosemary to the mixture. Let it infuse for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with an additional sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Enjoy your Rosemary-Infused Boulevardier!
Boulevardier with Cocoa Nib-Infused Bourbon
Elevate your cocktail game with this decadent take on the Boulevardier, featuring cocoa nib-infused bourbon that adds depth and complexity to the classic whiskey-based drink.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Cocoa Nib-Infused Bourbon
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange twist or cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the cocoa nib-infused bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: None – simply mix and serve!
Enjoy your Boulevardier with Cocoa Nib-Infused Bourbon, a sumptuous blend of flavors that will satisfy any whiskey lover’s cravings.
Smoked Orange Boulevardier
The Smoked Orange Boulevardier is a modern take on the classic Boulevardier, adding a smoky twist to this whiskey-based cocktail. The combination of smoked orange bitters and rich whiskey creates a complex flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz Aperol or other bitter liqueur
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1 dash smoked orange bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 1 dash of smoked orange bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Boulevardier with Black Walnut Bitters
A variation of the classic Old Fashioned, the Boulevardier is a rich and complex cocktail that pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of black walnut bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes black walnut bitters
– Orange peel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and black walnut bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a thin slice of orange peel over the drink, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cold beverage recipe.
Boulevardier Martini with a Vermouth Rinse
A twist on the classic Negroni, this Boulevardier Martini combines whiskey, Aperol, and sweet vermouth for a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 oz Campari
– Orange twist, for garnish
– Vermouth rinse (see below)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Express a small amount of orange twist over the drink and use as garnish.
Vermouth Rinse:
1. Place a dash of sweet vermouth on a spoon.
2. Swirl it around the rim of the glass to coat.
3. Discard any excess vermouth from the spoon.
Cooking Time: None
Boulevardier with Fig-Infused Sweet Vermouth
This twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail adds sweet and savory complexity to the original recipe. The fig-infused sweet vermouth brings a fruity and herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the whiskey.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1 oz fig-infused sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey and fig-infused sweet vermouth.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Boulevardier featuring Fig-Infused Sweet Vermouth!
Boulevardier with a Coffee Liqueur Twist
Elevate the classic Boulevardier cocktail by adding a shot of coffee liqueur, perfect for those who love the perfect blend of bitter and sweet.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add the shot of coffee liqueur.
4. Stir for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Boulevardier with a Dash of Chocolate Bitters
Elevate the classic Boulevardier cocktail by adding a hint of rich, velvety chocolate to its bold whiskey and sweet vermouth combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1 dash Chocolate Bitters (about 3-4 drops)
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Aperol.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Add one dash of Chocolate Bitters (about 3-4 drops).
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Express an orange twist over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None needed! This is a cocktail recipe.
Boulevardier with a Grapefruit Peel Garnish
Elevate your cocktail game with this classic Boulevardier recipe, featuring a tangy grapefruit peel garnish that adds a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange twist, for garnish
– Grapefruit peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
5. Express a strip of orange twist over the drink, then use as garnish.
6. Twist a grapefruit peel to release its oils, then wrap around the rim of the glass.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Boulevardier with a Splash of Amaro
A Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that’s similar to an Old Fashioned, but with a few key differences. By adding a splash of amaro, you’ll find a depth of flavor and complexity that will take your evening drinks game to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz Aperol or other bitter orange-flavored amaro
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Aperol.
3. Add the bitters and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy.
Boulevardier with a Hint of Vanilla
Elevate your classic cocktail game with this unique twist on the Boulevardier, adding a touch of vanilla to create a smooth and sophisticated drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz vanilla syrup (see note)
– Orange twist or cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 1/2 oz of vanilla syrup (adjust to taste).
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a non-cooking recipe!
Note: To make vanilla syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 vanilla bean in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain before using.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with these 19 classic Boulevardier recipes, each with a unique twist! From smoky mezcal to bourbon, rye whiskey, and more, explore new flavor combinations that will take this timeless cocktail to the next level. Try adding orange bitters, Luxardo cherry garnish, or barrel-aged Campari for added depth and complexity. Or go bold with spiced Boulevardiers featuring cinnamon-infused sweet vermouth or allspice dram. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to try something new, there’s a Boulevardier recipe here for everyone.
