Boulevardier: The “Man-About-Town” Cocktail

Laura Kuhn
May 28
2 min read

The "Man-About-Town"

Left Bank bourbon

sweet vermouth

Campari

ice cubes

orange wedge

cherry

Sophisticated, bold, and just a little bit mysterious—the Boulevardier is the drink of choice for the well-dressed, well-traveled, and well-informed. It’s the Negroni’s darker, smoother cousin, and it’s been making quiet waves in cocktail circles since the 1920s. At Left Bank, we serve it strong and stylish with our signature Left Bank Bourbon, giving this classic an extra layer of Southern charm.

The Left Bank Boulevardier

This is a drink that knows who it is. It’s equal parts sweet, bitter, and bold—served ice-cold and garnished with just enough flair. Here’s how we stir up our version:

Left Bank Bourbon – The core of the cocktail. With rich notes of oak, caramel, and spice, it softens the bitterness and brings warmth to every sip.
Sweet Vermouth – Herbal and slightly sweet, it rounds out the bourbon and adds an elegant complexity.
Campari – The signature bitter aperitivo that gives the Boulevardier its punch and brilliant red hue.
Ice Cubes – Stirred gently over rocks to chill and dilute just enough for a smooth, slow-drinking experience.
Orange Wedge – For a burst of citrus aroma and a touch of brightness.
Cherry – A classic garnish that adds a sweet finish to a serious drink.

A Cocktail with Swagger

The Boulevardier was born in 1920s Paris, made famous by American expat and writer Erskine Gwynne, who named it after his literary magazine The Boulevardier. It was the Negroni reimagined for bourbon lovers—darker, deeper, and perfectly suited for late-night lounges and fireside reflections.

At Left Bank, we embrace its elegant simplicity and let the quality of the ingredients do the talking. This isn’t a drink that needs a sales pitch—it just needs a well-dressed glass and good company.

When to Order a Boulevardier

Date night or dinner parties with elevated vibes
Late-night conversations and classic jazz in the background
Any time you want to sip something strong, stylish, and slightly mysterious

Smooth. Bitter. Unmistakably cool. Pour some Left Bank and raise a glass to the Boulevardier—the cocktail that never tries too hard and always makes an impression. The "man-about-town" may have changed, but his drink of choice is still going strong.