This sparkling boulevardier cocktail has the same appeal as the classic cocktail but is made even more celebratory with the simple addition of sparkling wine. If you love negronis, bourbon, or Champagne, you will absolutely fall head-over-heels for this sparkling cocktail.
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The Best Sparkling Boulevardier Cocktail
If you’ve never had a boulevardier, it’s basically a negroni but with bourbon instead of gin. It’s made with equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The resulting cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and bitter. Honestly, it hits all the markers for me as a fantastic cocktail.
But, of course, why stop there? You know by now I will look for any opportunity to break out the sparkling wine. After all, just look at this fun twist on the French 75.
Anyway, I first fell in love with the boulevardier cocktail at an Olympia favorite, McMenamin’s. Even though I couldn’t pronounce it (I hadn’t even started drinking at that point) I just loved the flavor. Hard as I tried to get into the classic negroni – which was Anthony Bourdain’s favorite cocktail – it was too punchy for me, with too much going on.
The boulevardier is more straightforward, sleek, and uncomplicated. When topped with sparkling wine and an amarena cherry, it’s honestly as good as it gets.
So, relax, put down the car keys and turn up the music because, after your first sip, you’ll suddenly realize you have nowhere else to be.
Sparkling Boulevardier Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Coupe glass
- 1 Mixing glass, stirring spoon, and strainer
- 1 Jigger
- Ice
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Bourbon
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. Sweet vermouth
- Top with sparkling wine Or soda water for less added alcohol
- 1 Amarena cherry For garnish
Instructions
- To a mixing glass add your ice, bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until chilled.
- Strain into your coupe glass and top with sparkling wine and your cherry garnish. Serve and enjoy!
A boulevardier is a Manhattan made with the addition of Campari, making for a slightly more bitter but complex and richly flavorful cocktail.
Yes, while Campari is a bit more bitter than Aperol, it can be substituted, as both are aromatic Italian aperitifs.
Traditionally the boulevardier is best served with rye whiskey, though either could be used. I prefer bourbon.
