The Boulevardier, a timeless cocktail that has been charming drinkers since the 1920s. With its rich flavors and complex balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes, it’s no wonder this drink has stood the test of time. But we’re not here to simply revisit the classic recipe – oh no! We’ve taken the Boulevardier to new heights by experimenting with a range of innovative twists. From smoky mezcal to bourbon-infused cherries, these 18 recipes will take you on a wild ride of flavor and creativity.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of modern mixology and show you how to elevate your cocktail game with unexpected ingredients and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in our collection of Boulevardier recipes with a twist.
Smoky Mezcal Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic Boulevardier. A perfect blend of spicy mezcal, rich coffee liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
• Orange twist (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the mezcal, coffee liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add a dash of maraschino liqueur.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a drink recipe, not a cooking recipe.
Bourbon-Infused Cherry Boulevardier
Combine the rich flavors of bourbon, cherries, and bitters for a sophisticated twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. Perfect for special occasions or a nightcap.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) cherry-infused simple syrup*
– 2 dashes of bitters (Angostura)
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, and cherry-infused simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Add 2 dashes of bitters on top.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None
*To make cherry-infused simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar with 1/4 cup of pitted cherries in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then let cool and strain before using.
Spiced Maple Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this autumn-inspired spin on the classic Boulevardier, featuring the warm spices of maple syrup and the depth of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, maple syrup, and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth.
3. Add Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for 20-25 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Orange Bitters Boulevardier
Experience the perfect blend of citrusy freshness and rich whiskey in this twist on the classic Boulevardier.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 1/2 oz Aperol
• 1/2 oz Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 2 dashes Orange Bitters
• Lemon twist or orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, Aperol, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express 2 dashes of Orange Bitters over the drink.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rosemary-Infused Boulevardier
This Rosemary-Infused Boulevardier is a twist on the classic cocktail, incorporating the aromatic flavors of rosemary and whiskey. Perfect for those who appreciate subtle herbal notes in their drinks.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz orange bitters
– 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine rosemary leaves and water to create a simple syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has reduced slightly.
2. Strain the rosemary syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None
Black Walnut Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and complex Black Walnut Boulevardier, featuring the deep flavors of black walnut liqueur and a velvety texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz black walnut liqueur
– 3/4 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, black walnut liqueur, 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 strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None required!
Lavender-Infused Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic Boulevardier. The subtle flavor of lavender adds a floral note to the rich, whiskey-based drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Lavender syrup (see below for recipe)
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Lemon twist or lavender sprig for garnish
Lavender Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp dried lavender buds
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Add dried lavender buds and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Let cool before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and lavender syrup.
3. Add Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or lavender sprig.
Cooking Time: None required. Prepare your ingredients and enjoy!
Smoked Honey Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky take on the Boulevardier, featuring rich smoked honey and bold whiskey notes. This drink is perfect for those who crave complexity and depth in their mixed drinks.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Smoked Honey Syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, smoked honey syrup, Aperol, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a orange twist over the drink and garnish.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Note: To make Smoked Honey Syrup, combine 1 cup honey with 1 cup water and smoke over low heat using wood chips (such as applewood or mesquite) until the mixture reaches your desired level of smokiness. Strain and store in an airtight container.
Chocolate Bitters Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this indulgent twist on the classic Boulevardier, featuring deep chocolate notes and a hint of bitter sweetness. Perfect for those who love rich, complex flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 2 dashes chocolate bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, Aperol, and Campari.
3. Pour in white chocolate liqueur.
4. Add 2 dashes of chocolate bitters.
5. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
6. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
7. Express a thin strip of orange peel over the drink, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Enjoy immediately.
Vanilla Bean Boulevardier
A modern twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail, this Vanilla Bean Boulevardier combines the smooth flavors of whiskey and vanilla with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz vanilla-flavored simple syrup (see below)
– 2 dashes orange bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey, Aperol, and vanilla-flavored simple syrup.
3. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Vanilla-Flavored Simple Syrup:
– Combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan.
– Add 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise.
– Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
– Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes.
– Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None required
Spiced Apple Boulevardier
This autumnal cocktail combines the warm spices of apple cider with the rich flavors of a Boulevardier, making it a perfect drink for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 slice of apple, for garnish
– Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and apple cider syrup.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick.
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2 cups apple cider in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool and strain before using.
Earl Grey-Infused Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the Boulevardier, infused with the subtle citrus and bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz Earl Grey-infused simple syrup (see below for recipe)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Earl Grey-Infused Simple Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 black tea bags (Earl Grey)
– Let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Earl Grey-infused simple syrup.
3. Stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None required – just mix and serve!
Cardamom Boulevardier
Inspired by the classic Boulevardier, this unique twist adds warm cardamom spice to create a complex and alluring cocktail perfect for special occasions or adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz Cardamom syrup (see note)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh cardamom, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Bourbon, Aperol, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, and lime juice.
3. Add Cardamom syrup and stir until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh cardamom.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make Cardamom Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2-3 whole green cardamoms in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Pomegranate Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Boulevardier. The pomegranate adds a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the bold whiskey.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz Pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, Aperol, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a dish that requires cooking time.
Coconut-Washed Boulevardier
Experience a tropical twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail with this refreshing recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/2 oz coconut water
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, coconut water, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Enjoy your Coconut-Washed Boulevardier!
Espresso Boulevardier
The Espresso Boulevardier is a modern take on the classic Boulevardier cocktail, with the added depth of espresso and a velvety texture. This drink is perfect for those who want to experience the bold flavors of Italy in a glass.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce Aperol
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– 1 shot espresso (about 1 ounce)
– Ice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
3. Pour in the espresso and stir until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Fig-Infused Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and savory take on the classic Boulevardier, featuring fig-infused bourbon and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz fig-infused bourbon (see note)
– 1 oz whiskey
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the fig-infused bourbon, whiskey, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy cocktail recipe.
Note: To make fig-infused bourbon, simply add 1/4 cup of dried figs to a bottle of bourbon for at least 2 weeks. Strain before using in this recipe.
Ancho Chile Boulevardier
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Boulevardier, featuring the rich flavors of ancho chiles.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz ancho chili liqueur
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, ancho chili liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
6. Express a thin strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail recipe!
Summary
Classic cocktails get a modern makeover with these 18 creative twists on the Boulevardier recipe. From smoky mezcal to lavender-infused and coconut-washed, each variation adds a unique flavor profile to this timeless drink. With ingredients like bourbon, spiced maple, black walnut, and chocolate bitters, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to spice up your cocktail game, these recipes are sure to impress.
