Build over cubed ice, add soda, and stir gently
Americano
Bitter orange, sweet herbs, and a light sparkling finish.
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe
Boulevardier
A whiskey-led bitter classic that teaches balance through a measured stir and controlled dilution.
Edited by CocktailSteps Editorial Team
- Time
- 4 minutes
- Level
- Easy
- Glass
- Coupe
- Approx. ABV
- 27% · Spirit-forward
- Tradition
- French–American
- Profile
- Sweet · Bitter · Herbal
Ingredient totals
Ingredients
Amounts below make one drink. The method, Quick Check, and guided Make use these one-glass amounts.
1.5 ozBourbonRecommended brandWild Turkey 101
1 ozCampariRecommended brandCampari Bitter
1 ozSweet vermouthRecommended brandCocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino
1 pieceOrange peelOptionalRecommended brandSunkist Navel Orange
Measured method · one drink
How to make Boulevardier
These steps make one glass. For more drinks, use the ingredient totals above to set up, then repeat this method for each serving.
- 01
Measure the Boulevardier
1½ oz bourbon · 1 oz Campari · 1 oz vermouth
Add 1½ oz bourbon, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth to an ice-filled mixing glass.
Measure the Boulevardier visual check - 02
Stir until silky
Stir · 20 sec
Stir smoothly for 20 seconds to chill and soften the bitter edge without clouding the drink.
Stir until silky visual check - 03
Strain into the coupe
Strain into a chilled coupe
Strain the Boulevardier into a chilled coupe, leaving the mixing ice behind.
Strain into the coupe visual check - 04
Express the orange
1 orange peel
Twist 1 orange peel over the surface, then rest it on the coupe rim, if using.
Express the orange visual check
Stir smoothly for 20 seconds to chill and soften the bitter edge without clouding the drink.
AI-assisted illustration of one step. Follow the measured method above; sound is optional.Key move
Let the bourbon lead while Campari and vermouth stay equal
Technique note
Why this build works
The extra half-ounce of bourbon distinguishes this build from an equal-parts Negroni: it gives oak and whiskey spice room beside a full ounce each of Campari and sweet vermouth. Stirring adds cooling water without an airy texture. Because the coupe contains no serving ice, the mixing stage must provide the chill and dilution. Orange oil is a small aromatic finish, not a reason to add juice to this spirit-led drink.
Common failure points
- Campari overwhelms the whiskey.
- Check that the bourbon is 1½ ounces, not 1 ounce copied from a Negroni. Taste after the drink has been stirred cold before deciding that it needs extra sweetness.
- The drink has a tired, oxidized wine flavor.
- Check the sweet vermouth before mixing. Follow its producer's refrigeration and use-after-opening instructions; more bitters or orange peel will not restore a stale bottle.
Measure or substitute
Rye can replace bourbon at 1½ ounces, usually emphasizing spice. Another red bitter aperitivo changes the bitterness and sweetness; keep its first trial measured at 1 ounce and regard it as a variation rather than a flavor match.
Recipe references
These references describe the drink or its ingredients. Our measured build and teaching notes are CocktailSteps adaptations; proportions and methods may differ from the reference.
Set the station
Tools
JiggerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger
Mixing glassRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom YARAI Mixing Glass
Bar spoonRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon
Julep strainerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer
CoupeRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Leopold Coupe
Choose your bottle
Bottle buying guide
Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.
Bourbon
Campari
Sweet vermouth
Know the pour
Spirit-forward
A strong bourbon aperitivo cocktail rounded by sweet vermouth and stirring dilution.
Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
