Boulevardier with Blood Orange Bitters
A sophisticated bourbon cocktail combining bitter, sweet, and citrus notes with rich blood orange bitters for complexity. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, sweet vermouth, campari for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz campari
- 2 dashes blood orange bitters
- 1 large strip orange twist
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, pour 1.5 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1 oz campari, and 2 dashes blood orange bitters. Fill with ice and stir for 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 2: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large clear ice cube.
- Step 3: Express the oils of 1 large strip of orange twist over the drink by twisting it skin-side down, then rub the rim of the glass with the twist before dropping it in as garnish.
- Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the layered citrus and bitter flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Boulevardier with Blood Orange Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Boulevardier with Blood Orange Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover boulevardier with blood orange bitters in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Boulevardier with Blood Orange Bitters?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Boulevardier with Blood Orange Bitters for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Boulevardier with Blood Orange Bitters?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
