“Classic” cocktails are classics because the ingredients required are few and the results are delicious. The Boulevardier is a variation of the Negroni, only made with whiskey in the place of gin – albeit with a different ratio.

For whatever reason this is a less well known cocktail. Good restaurants in both Philadelphia and Seattle have no idea what you are asking for when you order one. Maybe it’s the French style name or simply because cocktail culture has been busy inventing new cocktails rather than exploring the variations of the well-known classics.

Not that you should always order drinks your bartender has never heard of! A classic Negroni is always welcome. That aside, the Boulevardier is perfect for those who prefer to drink whiskey over gin.

Recipe:

Double Old Fashioned glass, or similar
Orange peel, for garnish
2 oz. whiskey, rye
1 oz. sweet red vermouth
1 oz. Campari
3-4 ice cubes
1 ice cube/ball, optional

Combine the whiskey, vermouth, and Campari together in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the ice cubes and stir until ice cold. If you have a sphere or large ice cube mold – de-mold the cube or ball and place in the highball glass.