What are you sipping on while you’re trying to figure out How to Get Away With Murder? It’s time to put away set aside those fruity summer drinks enjoyed poolside and al fresco, for ones that are more apt for fireside convos and cozy contemplation. Now I’m not saying that, if margaritas are your jam or daiquiris are your go-to, you have to give them up completely. Living the LUSHious life is all about enjoying what you like. But, just as you add that new pair of fly boots to your wardrobe rotation come October, now is the time to make a few additions to your cocktail rotation. If you’re stuck coming up with an appropriate drink, may I suggest my new fall favorite: The Boulevardier.
There it is on the left next to it’s summer cousin, the Negroni.
That deep crimson color, the curve of the coupe glass, the name…the Boulevardier is undeniably sexy (“I’ll have a Buh-Luh-Vah-Dee-Ay”). Ordering it feels so Continental, so classy, and will almost always result in the coveted bartender’s nod. Respect. It’s strong but not overpowering. This is one to sip, not to guzzle. Mixing one up yourself is dead easy. It has just three ingredients, just like a negroni, but a Boulevardier swaps out the gin for bourbon or rye. Rye adds a spiciness, bourbon can give it a hint of sweetness. But it’s just a hint, mind. And the recipe is fairly easy to remember:
1½ oz bourbon or rye
¾ oz Campari
¾ oz sweet vermouth
Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass. (If you don’t own a mixing glass, any wide-mouthed glass will do: a measuring cup, a mason jar). Add a some cracked ice or 1 or 2 big-ass ice cubes. Stir well for about 20 seconds or so. The aim is to chill the drink without diluting it, hence the big-ass cubes. Crushed ice, small cubes or party ice will end up watering the drink down too much. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel. Sit back, sip, contemplate the changing seasons, Annalise Keating’s wig game or your next boot purchase. Enjoy!
BONUS
Thanks to the folks at High West, there’s even a shortcut. They’ve developed a bottled Boulevardier that’s perfect for when you want a gorgeous and delicious mixed drink for a crowd, but don’t want to mix up a batch yourself. I’m not usually a fan of bottled cocktails—too often they can taste artificial or overly flavored, but this one is amazing.
One Comment