Bourbon-based

Boulevardier

Essentially a Negroni built on bourbon instead of gin — first written down in a 1927 cocktail book credited to a Paris-based American newspaperman, hence the name.

Ingredients

1 ozBourbon
1 ozCampari
1 ozSweet vermouth
1, for garnishOrange peel

Glassware Rocks glass

Method

Combine bourbon, Campari, and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube (or up into a coupe).
Express the orange peel over the drink and garnish.

What to Look For

Campari and sweet vermouth are both assertive, bitter-forward ingredients that can flatten a quiet whiskey entirely. A higher-proof or cask-strength bourbon has enough presence to stay in the conversation rather than just adding sweetness.

Proof range: 100–130
Style: Cask strength
Price tier: splurge