In times of duress I don't often say something like "I need a drink!". A piece of chocolate is often my go-to antidote to either dealing with stress or coping with disappointment. But watching March Madness basketball this weekend, specifically the Illinois vs Loyola game, I actually uttered those words. The classic, iconic Boulevardier Cocktail was supposed to the post-game celebratory drink. Instead it became the post-game recovering from shock and wallowing in defeat cocktail. For those of you have a fondness for Bourbon Whiskey, you know it has a way of putting a disappointment into perspective. So in spite of watching my Alma Mater lose, the Boulevardier Cocktail was a winner.
First invented and served during Prohibition at Harry's Bar in NYC, The Boulevardier is Bourbon's answer to the gin made Negroni. The original recipe was made with equal parts Bourbon Whiskey, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth, but over the years the ratios has been nuanced. In addition to increasing the amount Bourbon, the more traditional orange peel garnish is often replaced with a lemon twist, with a maraschino cherry or with the more decadent Luxardo cherries.
However, unlike the Paper Plane, my other favorite Bourbon based cocktail, The Boulevardier is a stirred not shaken cocktail. Unlike a shaken drink where water is often one of the added 'secret' ingredients, a stirred cocktail is the more gentler, perfect way to keep your cocktail Bourbon forward.
Instead of the more common Martini and Rossi Sweet Vermouth, this cocktail was made with Antica Formula, the exquisite Italian Sweet Vermouth. Considered to be a standard in any highly respectable bar. In addition, to being the perfect ingredient for a refined cocktail, it has just the right amount of richness, vanilla notes, and spice to hold up to the Campari. Either an orange peel or Luxardo Cherries perfectly compliments the flavor profile of this sweet vermouth. And if you ask me, a cocktail made with Italian made Campari and Antica Formula Vermouth calls for a luxe Italian maraschino cherry as the garnish.
Serving The Boulevardier Cocktail in a coupe glass rather than a lowball glass isn't just a more elegant presentation. It encourages sipping. In other words, you don't want to rush the experience of savoring this classic cocktail.
Serve The Boulevadier with a bowl of Marcona Almonds or your favorite cocktail nuts.
Soon we will again be able to host gatherings with family and/or friends. Which means it's time to up your Bourbon cocktail game. Boulevardier Cocktails or Paper Planes are both perfect beverages to welcome the return of a new, better normal. And speaking of game, the Boulevardier is a perfect cocktail whether your team advances in or loses during March Madness. Becausee Bourbon based cocktails make everything a little bit better. And given the choice between a piece of chocolate of a Boulevardier I think I would choose the latter.
Recipe
The Boulevardier Cocktail
Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients
2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey (I have a fondness for Russell's Reserve.)
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Sweet Vermouth (highly recommend the Italian Antica Formula Vermouth)
Ice Cubes
Luxardo Cherries or an Orange Twist
Optional: Marcona Almonds or your favorite mixed nuts
Directions
1. Pour the Bourbon, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add a generous handful of ice cubes. Stir until the liquids are blended and chilled (no more than 30 seconds).
3. Strain into a coupe glass.
4. Garnish with either Luxardo Cherries or an Orange peel.
5. Sip and savor. And as always, drink responsibly.
Notes: (1) The original Boulevardier Cocktail was made with 1.5 ounces of Bourbon whiskey, 1.5 ounces Campari, and 1.5 ounces of Sweet Vermouth. Alternately it can be made with 3 parts Bourbon whisky, 2 parts, Campari, and 1part Sweet Vermouth. You can decide which version of The Boulevardier Cocktail is your favorite.
