Boulevardier

One drink that has become hugely popular over the recent past is the Negroni, a wonderful combination of gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth. However I’m going to continue with a bourbon based cocktail. This is essentially a take on the Negroni by replacing the gin with bourbon or even rye whiskey. The Boulevardier is an established cocktail in its own right, invented in 1927, and so shouldn’t be eclipsed by its better known gin based cousin. The spicy and botanical notes of the sweet vermouth are complimented by the lick of bitter that the Campari brings. Both of these drinks are excellent cocktail builders and should compliment and enhance the flavour of the bourbon rather than dominate it. Though I like the combination of equal quantities some would suggest using 1 ½ parts or even 2 parts bourbon so feel free to experiment if you wish. I have to thank my cocktail enthusiast friend Kieran for putting me onto this one; a superb drink, complex, smooth and seductive.

Martini Rosso (Sweet Red Vermouth), Campari, and Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Ingredients

• 1 part (30ml) Bourbon (or Rye Whiskey)
• 1 part (30ml) Campari
• 1 part (30ml) Sweet Red Vermouth (Martini Rosso)

Stir all the ingredients together and strain over ice. Serve in an old fashioned tumbler. Garnish with a slice of orange zest peel

Boulevardier