The evolution of the Boulevardier cocktail from its beginnings to today
The Boulevardier cocktail has come a long way from its origins in the salons and bars of the post-war era to becoming a timeless classic in modern mixology. In this introduction, we will explore how this simple yet elegant cocktail has captured the imagination of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its perfect combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
Origins
The exact origins of the Boulevardier are somewhat obscure, but it is believed that the drink was created in the early 1920s. It is said to have been invented by an American in Paris, a regular at the famous Harry’s Bar, giving rise to a cocktail that blends French and American influences impeccably.
Evolution
In the 1930s and 1940s, the Boulevardier gained popularity especially among American expatriates in Europe. Its sweet and robust taste made it enjoyable both as an aperitif and a digestif. The combination of whiskey (often bourbon or rye), red vermouth, and bitters not only makes it delicious but also easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Mitcher’s Whiskey: A Quality Distillate
Mitcher’s Whiskey, renowned for its excellent quality and rich flavor, is an ideal addition to the Boulevardier. Produced in the United States, this bourbon (or rye, depending on preference) is celebrated for its notes of caramel, vanilla, and smoked wood, which harmoniously combine with the sweetness of red vermouth and the complexity of the bitter.
Insight into Red Vermouth: From the Vineyard to the Bar
Red vermouth, with its notes of aromatic herbs and spices, plays a crucial role in balancing the strong flavor of whiskey in the Boulevardier. This part of the article describes how vermouth not only enriches the cocktail with its sweetness but also adds complexity thanks to its intriguing blend of ingredients.
Bitter: More Than Just a Flavoring Composition and Usage in Mixology
The bitter, with its secret recipe of herbs and spices, enriches the Boulevardier, giving it that touch of bitterness that distinguishes it from other cocktails and makes it particularly appreciated for its ability to stimulate the appetite.
Recipe and Preparation of the Boulevardier Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 30 ml di Mitcher’s Whisky (Bourbon o Rye)
- 30 ml red vermouth
- 30 ml di bitter
- Twist of orange (optional)
- Kidia Butterfly Tuille Molds (optional)
Chilling the Glass:
- For an old-fashioned service: Place the old-fashioned glass in the freezer or chill it with ice inside.
- For a coupe service: Place the cocktail coupe in the freezer to chill it in advance.
Mixing the Ingredients: Pour the Mitcher’s Whisky, red vermouth, and bitter into a mixing glass filled with ice. (Have you tried our Kidia Mixing Glass?) Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture for about 30 seconds, chilling and slightly diluting the drink.
Serve:
- On the rocks: Remove the old fashioned glass from the freezer or discard the ice inside and replace it with a large 5×5 cm ice cube. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- In a coupe glass: Strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass, without ice, for a purer and more concentrated flavor.
Garnish: Cut a thin strip of orange peel. Rub the peel around the rim of the chosen glass to infuse the aroma. Add the peel to the drink.
Find the original IBA recipe here
Boulevardier Video Recipe
The World of Classic Cocktails Where Does the Boulevardier Cocktail Fit?
The Boulevardier stands out for its simplicity and elegance. Unlike the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan, the Boulevardier relies on the strong connection between just three main components, making it unique, easy to prepare, yet sophisticated. This cocktail not only celebrates the history of mixology but also invites on a creative journey, urging both professional mixologists and enthusiasts to explore beyond the traditional boundaries of classic cocktails.
If you enjoy IBA cocktails, why not try our Rusty Nail recipe, also whisky-based, or even the refreshing White Lady cocktail, made with gin?
