Boulevardier | How to Drink

On this episode of How to Drink, I am taking a look at a classic cocktail called a Boulevardier. The Boulevardier is a cocktail with origins in Harry’s New York Bar (which of course is in Paris) in the 1920’s. It’s a combination of Bourbon, Campari, and Vermouth. At its core it is a simple drink that really doesn’t need improving, so I present it here fair simple. Hope you enjoy, cheers!
Boulevardier Ingredients;
1.5 oz or 45 ml Sweet Vermouth
1.5 oz or 45 ml Campari
2 oz or 60 ml Bourbon
Garnish with an Orange Twist & Cherry
Order spirits I use here (Affiliate): bit.ly/H2Dspirits
Music: The Savoy Special by Glenn Crytzer's Savoy Seven
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Directed & Edited by: Greg
Produced by: Meredith Engstrom & Stefano Pennisi & Greg
Cinematography by: John Hudak
Created by: Greg

[@coleanderson300]

I really have no idea how this is not more popular. What I love about this is how pure Greg is. Most shows like this feel fake, but this is real and fun. His passion for drinks is infectious!

[@howtodrink]

That’s really nice of you to say

[@thenotoriousguy]

@@neomcdoom he's talking about how Greg is on the show man

[@thenotoriousguy]

@@neomcdoom bout time someone realized that im a snack ;)

[@neomcdoom]

Some Guy Yes

[@kevinclick9026]

I concur

[@PAPATANY]

How to Drink is a life advice channel. So many drinks I’ll be trying soon. I’m also happy that you guys are posting more again, I was sad without you in my life.

[@lanemrnan]

honest to God this is one of my favorite channels. never stop.

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@John-qv7in]

I love coming across these old HtD episodes and seeing how much the show has changed and improved over the years. Think it would be kind of fun to see a new episode where you go back and look at some of these older videos and critique them/yourself both from a cocktail perspective and from a video craft perspective now that you've been running this channel for so long.

[@SKF358]

I love the close ups of the "sloshing" of the liquids from the measuring cup into the glass--the slow motion makes it seem so alive. Thanks.

[@daprovocateur]

After I got into bourbons with the Manhattan and Old Fashioned, the Boulevardier became my favorite bourbon drink. I love the bitter and caramely sweet. Great show, Greg!

[@howtodrink]

They’re an acquired taste for sure, but in most cases all of this is. I really enjoy a boulevardier but it’s a certain kind of mood drink for me

[@JoeJoeBearr]

I love that this is today's ep. I went out last week and bought the components for negronis however I am still having difficulties training my pallet to see out the positives in the bitter flavors. I think that with the bolder, smokey, and more earthy notes of the bourbon I will be able to isolate the bitters better, rather than them coming off the back of the floral, juniper notes that the gin provides. Greg, thank you for this lovely and timley video and keep on keeping on.

[@jyeking2316]

Love this channel. Decided i dont want to be a bartender or own a brewery. So making amazing drinks as a hobby is very enjoyable. Favourite alcholic drink channel

[@nikofloros]

This may go without saying for some, but the Boulevardier can also be made (and often is) with rye instead of bourbon. Both are great. Rye is especially nice in warmer weather or for those of us that like less sweetness in our drinks.

[@TheSkelzore]

I've always been one to understand that even if I don't like something, especially when it came to growing up and learning to love different drinks, that when I do not like a drink, I will eventually. That's been my take on liquor and I'm glad you explained so well that something bitter and seemingly foul is not bad but simply challenges your palate and asks that you grow to love it. You're a smart dude.

[@howtodrink]

Thanks! I might just be too cheap/lazy to send it back/our it out though

[@TheSkelzore]

How To Drink, For me it's usually, *Take a sip and make a face* *people look at me like I cant handle my liqour* *continue to drink suppressing the bitter reaction and it starts to taste good*

[@justaddbutter]

You've done a good job of lengthening these episodes and making them more informative.

[@howtodrink]

Glad you like it!

[@colina1330]

Damn. This is a big boy cocktail. I'm probably gonna try this out tomorrow night with rye. I like Negronis, and I've got Campari, and some sweet Vermouth that I need to use up. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@jacksilver9935]

Among my new hobbies during Covid, homemade cocktails have been the most fun. Started with two ingredient cocktails. May not get past three. Negronis and Boulevardiers. Gin, Bourbon, Campari, Aperol, red and dry vermouth. So many combinations. All so wonderfully wonderful.

[@goldernheart]

I usually use equal parts of everything for this drink and just 1oz. My guests would be on the floor with this recipe 😂

[@CamC9]

got kinda dark there for a second talking about your pops bar tab

[@howtodrink]

There was a fair debate about including that

[@CamC9]

either way huge fan of the show, especially the tiki drinks been making Mai Tais and Zombies quite a bit lately.... How about a Hurricane episode soon?

[@justaddbutter]

I liked it.

[@NYGJMAP]

Nice!

[@308712x23]

We’re all human

[@whydustin]

I have to say I love the production quality. The pour and stir shots are always satisfying, yes, even if you spill all the time. 😉

[@betterinsodapop]

I really loved the bit at the end where Greg is talking about complex and challenging flavors, and how you can CHOOSE to seek them out and acquire a taste for them. It's so dang true.

[@grahamhoffman5818]

I love the subtle tweaks you have made to the show! Always an instant thumbs up!

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@payableondrummer]

I love how simultaneously rich and refreshing Boulevardier’s are. Nice job with the coupe too, I like my Negroni’s down and 1:1:1, and Boulevardier’s up and 2:1:1

[@howtodrink]

Good rules right there

[@Destroyer97sup]

Greg never change the theme song you use!

[@valentinonoah8302]

A trick: you can watch movies on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.

[@darianzayn1106]

@Valentino Noah yup, been using flixzone for since december myself =)

[@emersonrapp9823]

THANK YOU! This is my favorite drink to order at a cocktail bar or speakeasy. It's a good way to judge the skill of the bartender. Ask for a Boulevardier first, if they dont know it, ask for a Negroni with bourbon, and if they dont know that, just ask for equal parts! Now if they ask what Campari is, time to just walk away!

[@howtodrink]

I too have used the Negroni as a "Do I want to drink here?" measuring stick.

[@Molo9000]

5oz Boulevardier? Now that's some serious drinking.

[@howtodrink]

It's a 2hour cocktail.

[@arickbakken]

Just worked it out, 5oz in those proportions is equivalent to drinking a half bottle of wine. So not crazy if you do it slow and with food :) Just large and in charge for a cocktail!

[@JamesSmith-qv9qo]

Molo900 These specs are crazy...

[@alansarpy]

Molo900 hahaha same thing I thought

[@Hugo-gw8hn]

After diluting it possibly 6oz. lol

[@Hootville]

Thanks for the metric measurements. The new world appreciates it.

[@howtodrink]

Old world?

[@patrickhodson8715]

I love that you put polls in the cards of your videos!

[@swagapotomus5000]

One of my favorite drinks! I usually do 1.5oz bourbon, 1oz sweet vermouth, .5oz Campari. I have some absinthe in a spray bottle and mist it over too

[@KittyLumpkinsss]

those slow pours!!! ugh, i love the editing. it always makes me happy.... and perfectly thirsty.

[@amandablume3128]

This is my favorite cocktail. I personally feel that if you do 2oz bourbon (i 100% recommend Buffalo Trace), with one slightly underpoured oz of campari, and 1 slightly OVERPOURED oz of sweet vermouth, it is an IMMACULATE cocktail. It needs to be fully shaken with ice before serving, but its delicious.

[@lars2894]

This is also how I do it! 2:1:1 with full shaking (for less dilution), and a little less then 1 of Campari.

[@DasJorge]

My go-to cocktail. I throw in a few dashes of orange bitters to pull out some of the citrus notes from the Campari.

[@eternalspitfire9064]

Only got into this channel recently. But I swear, the slow shots when you pour into your shot glass (I know that's not exactly what it is but thats the name my brain is using) are so damn satisfying. Honestly one of my favorite parts of each video. Let alone the knowledge imparted about drinking.

[@meowcula]

I was just having one when I stumbled across this video... made it with canadian whiskey instead of bourbon. One thing I've noted - don't be tempted to add soda to this drink. It wimped it out and made a tasteless nothing. Enjoy its boozey bitterness. Cheers to you Greg!

[@oguzisk9204]

I usually garnish with a lemon peel It brightens it up so nicely

[@xxOS1R1Sxx]

My kids enjoyed Shirley Temples too. Only with an over abundance of cherries. Good stuff. Cheers!

[@eriksavas32]

You rock, Greg! Outstanding cocktail. Simple to make but kinda complex in taste. You Da Real MVP. And love how you release your vids on Friday’s. Keep me coming

[@MrAqr2598]

For Campari beginners, Campari and Tonic is a good drink to start. The taste of tonic water definitely makes the bitter punch of Campari easier to handle.

[@807002044]

I can really relate to your description of bitter drinks and growing to like them along with unique tastes. Food and drink isn’t just about the flavors you know or are used to... it’s an exciting world out there. Also, those slo-mo close up shots! Amazing 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@danigarrido9180]

I use to have my Boulevardiers with an artichoke vermouth, Cynar. Beautiful.

[@howtodrink]

I'm intrigued!

[@derrickzupf7559]

i had to laugh when greg mentioned going to the bar, as a child, with his father... i did too. i was in grade school in the 60's and my dad was a butcher in detroit's food district, the eastern market. now and then on a saturday we'd drive down to the eastern market... my dad would first stop by a slaughter/packing house to talk to various work pals. i'd seen so many animals - hogs and cattle - slaughtered, butchered, made into sausage that it was just a normal thing to me. after he made the rounds, we'd stop by some old school bar where it was all working men from the eastern market. i would get a prime seat at the bar... thrilled to have an ice cold coke in those little glass bottles and a small bag of kay's potato chips. i'd sit there and watch my dad bullshit with all these guy's he knew... buying each other rounds... and shooting pool. my old man was a very good pool player. great childhood memories from a bar stool!

[@derrickzupf7559]

oops: lay's potato chips

[@Turtle1631991]

When I was a kid not so long ago it was normal that I got big ceramic jug and ran to a pub to get beer for my dad and friends to have with lunch. They would probably shoot you for that in US haha

[@felixvaldez9968]

Me too, only in my case it was with my grandfather. He'd sit me with a glass bottle coke and a bag of chips while he got wasted some with his old school bodies talking soccer all afternoon

[@BassWhiz92]

I went to Lake Placid this year for a ski trip, and there's a place I went to my last night for dinner. I'm not an aficionado of drinking, nor do I drink often, but I had a boulevardier for the first time, and it's one of my favorites next to disaronno and ginger ale.

[@adambroussard5146]

have you tried disaronno muddled with an orange slice?

[@angel2of7death]

You gotta start doing some drunken live stream shit because dammit we need to drink. Awesome vid as usual. And I agree, slow burner this one. Good ol' Boulevardier. Cheers

[@instograeme]

This was a perfect video as I’m leaving the liquor store and wanted to learn how to make this cocktail for a dinner party tonight. Much appreciated

[@jackcalvert5998]

I’m only 15, but I can’t wait till I’m 21 to actually try these. Such a awesome show, glad you are back.

[@aaalbert]

Lol move to my country, Germany, and you will only have to wait three years.

[@nicholaspham6234]

I'm on a mission. A mission to make all the drinks. I tried the Miracle Pill this past week and it was fantastic!

[@howtodrink]

Glad to hear it!

[@birdie021]

Just found this channel, the aesthetics and production values are utterly out of this world!

[@eddyeikdal6741]

This is actually one of most funtime channels on youtube.

[@howtodrink]

I agree.

[@tylerbyars859]

I always top mine off with a splash of Grand Marnier for one of my regulars. His recommendation, it's very lovely

[@mjmoreno]

Thanks Greg - Unless you're saving it for the future DVD Extras, I think we MUST see the original version of this cocktail you made in season 1! Also, great to meet you on the street - hope you get recognized often!

[@howtodrink]

Hey Matt! Sorry I had to run that day I bumped into you. I’m looking into the original version of this now, see if there’s anything I can do with it

[@mjmoreno]

No worries.. I'll keep watchin' till it's posted - Keep em' coming!

[@howtodrink]

It's not great or even very funny, but here's the garbage thing I didn't release way back in Season 1 www.patreon.com/posts/19030868

[@mjmoreno]

No close ups, but the added blooper music, sharp cuts, interruption of “your buddy” and the perfectly executed John Belushi eye brows made it a classic. Thank you for sharing!

[@Totaled1991]

Glad you are back man, Showing your channel to all my drinking buddies!

[@howtodrink]

Thank you! Out of curiosity, has youtube not sent you alerts on the previous episodes of this season?

[@Theodore042]

Boulevardier is the first drink I'm ordering after lockdown! Can't wait!!

[@STVG71]

Campari is an acquired taste for sure and I love strong flavors. Between these and Negronis, it took be about 5 or 6 (not all in one sitting!) to start liking them. I also sought out Antica Formula Carpano Vermouth and think it goes better with Bourbon than M&R Vermouth

[@howtodrink]

Definitely an acquired taste!

[@nickburch9037]

I know you posted this a while ago, but I finally got myself a bottle of campari. I tried out the Negroni recipe, which is good-definitely a sipper. However, I loved this drink! So far this and the maple syrup old fashioned have been my favorite drinks.

[@ChangeMakersArturKrol]

Could you do a "drink making need to have" video, about a sensible basic selection of alcohol (and addatives) for mixing?

[@williammustain]

A little too campari forward for me. So bitter (and not in the good, citrus way). I added a 1/2 oz of simple syrup and it mellowed right out. Perfect. Thanks, Greg, for the great channel!!! It has inspired me to really up my home bar game. Keep the videos coming :)

[@eonblue4309]

LOVE this drink. I've always made mine with equal parts of everything. Gonna try this ratio right now...

[@howtodrink]

I like it this way, little heavier on bourbon. For negronis I go equal.

[@sam11443]

For boulevardiers a 2:1:1 ratio is also quite commonly used, with 2 being the bourbon. May also be worth a try!

[@derekfreeman1817]

This is my favorite drink. Really dig the style of your video. Subscribed!

[@Flatline072]

that deer is awfully menacing.... great video. i love how you talk about acquiring a taste for something. currently drinking an Enzoni and i'm not a huge fan of gin, but i let my mind explore the flavours and it now tastes a whole lot better. Thank you for that, great advice

[@TheProjectNightfall]

Just finished my final exam at University so I happily drank along to this one. Cheers mate!

[@howtodrink]

Congrats on finishing exams! You deserve it!

[@mattbeach8641]

Just made one of these for the first time tonight, except I used a Canadian rye whiskey rather than bourbon. I also used equal parts for everything, like a Negroni, just subbing the gin for whiskey. I might have to try it with bourbon and your specified amounts!

[@climberdave422]

Love these! Can't wait to see your variation. Hope to age a batch in a barrell soon

[@ironbooze2937]

Woopieh! Really nice to see you guys making this much quality content

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@Canadianbassist]

Yes. I find that no matter which Rye I use (Lot 40 Rye or Forty Creek preference) it's great for cocktails, especially the Boulevardier. I'm sure you don't do request, but I'd like to see your takes on the Bloody Mary, Red Snapper and Caesars. Yes, the Tomato cocktails.

[@mudman215]

Dude!!! I've had some weird night at both the Arrowhead and Idle Hour! Love your channel! Keep up the great work!

[@markzammit7781]

Love Negronis and their variations. Current favourite is the Kingston Negroni, with the gin swapped out for Smith & Cross rum. I’m going to experiment with swapping out the Campari for Gran Classico soon. Great time for cocktails with so many quality spirits on the market now.

[@howtodrink]

Shit, Smith & Cross is what I’m about, I need to try tgis

[@markzammit7781]

Be prepared for cocktail nirvana. Spicy, bitter and long. Build it in a double rocks glass on a single large block of ice and watch it evolve with slow dilution. The first sip will grow hair on your chest. 😁

[@Urspo]

I’m a new subscriber. Love your work ! Boulevardier is one of my favorites.

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@gerrylakeskyline]

Have you ever thought of after each season ends you release a recipe book which goes over all of the season’s drinks? Love your content, it has inspired me to do so much with drinks. Though I do hate having to go back to a video to look up a drink I have an itch to make that day.

[@devinmartin8593]

Kinda want to see some of that lost footage lol.

[@howtodrink]

Just released it publicly on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/19030868

[@jssaa97]

Bitter drinks are definately an acquired taste. My first negroni was not a pleasant experience, and I was surprised not liking it having in mind how famous it is and how many people swear by it... but the second one was better, so I guess eventually I will get to like it. Haven't tried the boulevardier yet, guess I might like it more than a negroni as I really like whiskey. Great episode :)

[@howtodrink]

It can be a bit more approachable than the Negroni

[@johnpeat94]

Great drink. Great video. Love your channel man, the quality is outstanding.

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@gian323]

This is pretty awesome dry, dry vermouth, as well! You can use the dry vermouth for shrimp scampi

[@Tar0B0I]

Hey Greg, you ever thought about doing like, simple drinks and making them better maybe? Like, taking a rum and coke or a screwdriver, but then turn it into some kind of craft cocktail that actually has, more depth to it? Not sure how to describe it other than that. But yea, just a thought!

[@howtodrink]

Yes I have thought about that! It's a great idea

[@jcolterogden]

You can buy potable bitters at groceries stores in most of the country, the Campari in my bar was grabbed at Safeway (though New York is picky, nothing over 10% I think? Had to plan ahead when I lived there)

[@Shadowguy456234]

Indeed, in California it's easy peasy, I've bought artisan tequila with my groceries before...

[@colina1330]

Trying it right now with rye instead of bourbon. Daaaaaaaaaaamn, it's bitter. The spice of the rye plays great with the campari, though. Great drink.

[@howtodrink]

Can always rebalance it to a 1:2:3 recipe with the Campari being the least

[@samnichols4361]

The Italians have an engrained tolerance for bitter flavours which is off-putting - I find in general, the boulevardier much more rounded than the negroni though (bourbon takes the edge off the bitterness more than gin, in my mind).

[@Allaunira]

I'm sure someone's told you this already but actually what can and can't be sold at grocery stores based on their "potability" varies by State in the US. So in New Jersey, Campari can't be sold in a grocery store, but in Washington it can, along with vodka, rum, gin and everything else. If you roll into Oregon you can get beer and wine at the grocery store but liquor is sold at state-run stores only.

[@Volvary]

My girlfriend was having trouble with Campari. She acquired the taste with the Cardinal. You should make that one.

[@sarahsanders1729]

Made this drink at home with Elijah Craig small batch for the first time like two days ago. I can't believe I missed out on this cocktail my whole life, it's easily in my top 3

[@gregoriush.q.s9625]

Niceee.. i love the slow mo, it makes it majestic

[@howtodrink]

Thank you! Hope you like the rest of the show too!

[@Jjsquash365]

Just watched this and think i’m in love with this drink! Cheers Greg!

[@ChuckCanada1]

#toourfathers I wen't to the bar with my father all the time as a child too. I think it was a great wonderful thing, I learned the art of conversation and how to listen when someone really has something to say as well as how to shut someone up when they are talking bullshit. I learned how to cheat and not get caught, which lead me to getting good at math. I had so much fun being around adults as a child, it really made me mature quick and become a great man. Cheers, from Canada!

[@howtodrink]

Where at in Canada? Spent a fair bit of time in the maritimes growing up, relatives up there.

[@MarkBoy7thst]

Wow Greg you just blew my fucking mind with that pleasurable video. Keeping being you Greg!

[@guardian35]

I live in New Mexico and I can get Campari at Walmart, Albertson's, Walgreens, or even a Pic Quik Gas Station. They can have pretty comprehensive liquor selections.

[@DazedAndConfuzing]

my go to after work drink during our time of social isolation, Wild Turkey 101 works quite well not gonna lie

[@zacheryclark2131]

Oh man, these sound awesome. I'm going to make one, and watch the lost version.

[@nickh402]

Greg, you have come a long way, sir! Lol, you can’t find Campari at a grocery store in America. Just hilarious.

[@jborst77]

Legit my favorite cocktail at this point

[@MegaFoozle]

This is one of my favorites!

[@terrenceenglert5461]

You can get any sort of alcohol in a grocery store in Wisconsin from 6am to 12am for beer and 6am to 9pm for alcohol!

[@joshuaperry4112]

Last time I drank Boulevardiers, I wound up on the couch of a stranger who had "been abducted by aliens and given magic power". We listened to Genesis on vinyl until I passed out. Good times, we got tea at a cafe a few hours later and I projectile vomitted all over the walls of their bathroom. I had nothing to clean up with, so I just left a piece of paper in the sink saying, "my bad." and walked out without saying goodbye to my new buddy. I left Denver prompty.

[@htz11235]

If for some reason your bar doesn't have campari, chamborde is (to me) an acceptable substitute. Not quite the same taste but its still good

[@andrewdickinson2985]

Seems like a solid drink to start and end your night simultaneously

[@howtodrink]

I see what you did there...

[@bigredginger2956]

really liked how you described why you like it. Didn't just say it was good. nice video my man

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@amykruse6969]

Speaking of Bourbon, a Dandy cocktail sounds fantastic right now. Curious to see if you make a Dandy differently because I'm sure any version you come up with will be fantastic.

[@austinwallick8744]

Hey Greg, you should make the Patreon link clickable so it doesn’t have to be copy-pasted into a browser. Loved the episode, you’ve gained at least one patron today!

[@howtodrink]

Didn't know it wasn't, fixing that now.

[@AynenMakino]

Great video, as always! I recently acquired a bottle of dark Old Captain, Caribbean rum. Any recommendations for what to make with it?

[@kyrylobutenko]

Pretty generous pour :D. Great episode! I like that you don't overdilute the drink, it definitely should have some sharp edges. By the way, why you are not using an ice pick? Might be easier to crack you cube

[@AngelRipper1023]

Shout out to the Idle Hour! I live in Brick, the next town over. And to the Arrowhead, which is in Brick, but I've never been there. That's crazy! Also, thanks, Greg, for another recipe I have to try!

[@howtodrink]

Sounds like we probably went to the same Highschool

[@AngelRipper1023]

How To Drink I went to Brick Memorial. Tell me, are you a Mustang or a Dragon?

[@howtodrink]

‘Stang. Though when I was there the horse was still standing on the corner of the roof, I gather they got rid of that years ago.

[@AngelRipper1023]

How To Drink They didn't have the statue when I went. That's pretty cool. I might've had some of the teachers you had.

[@Trav_is_Newman]

Old Brick baby, Green Dragons 4Life!

[@NoodleBees]

Haha, that's one large boulevardier! Another great episode.

[@johnolmos8670]

Negronis and their variants evolve over time as you drink it.I always have them on one big 2.5 inch rock.I love all the Negronis

[@kexmanable]

This puts most professional bartenders Boules to shame! Super swell, mate. Changing the subject: With such a fine example of horological history on your wrist you simply must have a collection of equally classic timepieces hidden away behind the camera. Do you? If yes, what's in your collection? I can't rest until I know!!!! Love you man, Long time fan

[@howtodrink]

I wish I had a decent watch collection, alas, the SKX is the only watch that fits my wallet at the moment. Thank you though!

[@kexmanable]

How To Drink Well, if I was gonna have only one watch for the rest of my life - Seiko all the way baby. Second to none when it comes to bang for buck. Thank you for indulging me!

[@davidpeterson5930]

When I first made this drink a while ago, I hated it. Now, I absolutely love it. It’s my favorite cocktail now.

[@Alldogsgotocushs]

Love your show, keep em coming!

[@howtodrink]

Thank you!

[@jaymitchosky]

One of my absolute favorites. Although with lemon vs orange. Some nice beauty shots of the SKX. 😏