The Boulevardier: The Whisky Lover’s Negroni (Recipe & Guide 2026)

If the Manhattan is the sophisticated older brother of the cocktail world, the Boulevardier cocktail recipe is the eccentric cousin who lives in Paris.

It is often described simply as a “Whisky Negroni.” And while that is technically true—it swaps the Gin for American Whiskey—the result is something entirely different.

Gin is botanical and light. Whiskey is rich, woody, and sweet. When you pair whiskey with the bitter punch of Campari, you create a drink that is dark, brooding, and complex.

It is the perfect autumn and winter cocktail. It warms you up while waking up your palate.

In this guide, we are going to master the Boulevardier cocktail recipe, settling the debate on ratios and choosing the perfect whiskey to stand up to the bitter Italian liqueur.

1. The History: An American in Paris

Unlike many classic cocktails, we know exactly where the Boulevardier cocktail recipe came from.

It was created in 1927 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

The drink was the signature cocktail of Erskine Gwynne, an American expatriate writer. He founded a monthly magazine in Paris called The Boulevardier (meaning a wealthy, fashionable socialite who strolls the boulevards).

Gwynne loved the Italian aperitif trend that was sweeping Europe (thanks to the Negroni), but as an American, he missed his whiskey.

He asked the bartender to swap the Gin for Bourbon, and a legend was born. It appeared in Harry McElhone’s 1927 book, Barflies and Cocktails, with the credit given directly to Gwynne.

2. The Ingredients: The Holy Trinity

Like the Negroni, the Boulevardier relies on three pillars. If one is weak, the drink collapses.

1. The Bitter: Campari

There is no substitute. Campari is an Italian red bitter liqueur. It provides the signature color and the aggressive grapefruit/rhubarb bitterness that defines the drink.

2. The Sweet: Vermouth Rosso

You need a sweet, red, Italian vermouth. Because Campari is so bitter and whiskey is so strong, you need a heavy vermouth to bridge the gap. Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino are the gold standards.

3. The Strong: American Whiskey

This is where you have control. The choice of whiskey changes the entire profile of the drink (more on this in Section 4).

Need the right tools to mix this?
Check out our guide to Mixing Glasses and Spoons here.

3. The Ratio Debate: 1:1:1 vs 1.5:1:1

The original 1927 Boulevardier cocktail recipe called for equal parts:

• 1 part Whiskey
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part Sweet Vermouth

The Problem: This works for Gin (Negroni) because Gin is botanical and sharp. But Campari is a bully. In an equal parts recipe, the thick, syrupy Campari often completely drowns out the flavor of the whiskey. It becomes too sweet and too cloying.

The Modern Solution (1.5 : 1 : 1):

Modern bartenders almost universally prefer to bump up the whiskey. By using 1.5 parts (or even 2 parts) of whiskey to 1 part Campari/Vermouth, the spirit can shine through. The drink becomes drier, stronger, and more balanced.

4. Bourbon vs Rye: Which Works Best?

Erskine Gwynne originally used Bourbon. However, in 2026, many experts prefer Rye. Here is why:

Bourbon (The Comfort Choice)

Bourbon is made from corn. It is sweet.

When you mix sweet Bourbon with sweet Vermouth and sweet Campari, the result is… very sweet. It can be rich and decadent, like a dessert, but it can lack “cut.”

Rye (The Expert Choice)

Rye is spicy. It has notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and dried herbs.

This spice cuts through the sugar of the Vermouth and the weight of the Campari. It creates a tension in the glass that makes the drink more interesting.

Still deciding?
Read our Rye vs Bourbon guide to help you choose the base.

5. The Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is the definitive Boulevardier cocktail recipe for the modern palate.

Glassware Note: While the Manhattan is almost always served “Up” (no ice), the Boulevardier is flexible. It is delicious served “On the Rocks,” as the melting ice helps tame the bitter Campari over time.

Using a Rocks Glass?
Read our guide on Glassware to choose the right one.

6. Summary: Mastering Bittersweet

The Boulevardier cocktail recipe is a drink for people who love flavor.

It is not shy. It is bitter, sweet, spicy, and strong all at once.

It is the perfect “Next Step” for anyone who loves an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan but wants to try something bolder. Grab a bottle of Campari, find a high-proof Rye, and transport yourself to 1920s Paris.