Spiced Citrus Boulevardier
A warming twist on the classic Boulevardier featuring spiced orange notes that balance the bitterness and sweetness in perfect harmony. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 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 210 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 orange bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 star anise pod
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and add 1.5 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Campari.
- Step 2: Add 2 dashes of orange bitters, then stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill without diluting.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture over a single large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin-side down and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the rim before resting it on the glass.
- Step 5: Float 1 star anise pod on top for an aromatic garnish and subtle spice notes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Citrus Boulevardier take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Spiced Citrus Boulevardier?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced citrus boulevardier 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 Spiced Citrus Boulevardier?
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 Spiced Citrus Boulevardier 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 Spiced Citrus Boulevardier?
Cocktails 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.
