Negroni vs Boulevardier: what's the difference?
A Boulevardier is a Negroni with bourbon or rye in place of gin, so it's warmer, rounder and a little sweeter, while the Negroni stays sharper, more herbal and more bitter.
Negroni
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Bitter, herbal and bracing, with gin keeping it crisp.
What does Negroni taste like?Boulevardier
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
The Negroni in a leather jacket: warmer, rounder, more caramel.
What does Boulevardier taste like?The real difference
Both are a spirit stirred with Campari and sweet vermouth. Gin's juniper and citrus make the Negroni crisp and bitter. Whiskey brings caramel and vanilla that soften the Campari, and many bartenders use a bit more whiskey than equal parts, so it drinks richer.
Side by side
NegroniBoulevardier
SpiritGinBourbon or rye
TastesBitter, herbal, brightBittersweet, warm, caramel
ServedOn the rocks, orange peelUp or on the rocks, orange peel
Which to order
- Order a Negroni if you love bitter and want something crisp before dinner.
- Order a Boulevardier if you like whiskey and want the bitterness softened.
Quick questions
- Is a Boulevardier stronger than a Negroni?
- About the same, since both are nearly all booze. A Boulevardier made with extra whiskey can be a touch stronger.
- Bourbon or rye in a Boulevardier?
- Either. Bourbon makes it sweeter and rounder, rye makes it spicier and drier. Bars use both.