Boulevardier Cocktail

Yep, it’s fall. Like, aggressively fall. The leaves are gone off the trees, and the golden days of October are behind us, with nothing but rain and cold and dark ahead of us for the next few months.

This is the part of the year I’ve been dreading, to be honest. We’re 8 months into this delightful global pandemic and the onset of the second wave means that case numbers are climbing, even here in BC where we have been pretty lucky at keeping our numbers down.

Part of what has been a huge part of my self care in terms of mental health for the last 6 months or so is a daily walk, but the rain is threatening that, too. I’ve been managing to still squeak them in between raindrops, and I’m learning about gear and starting to invest in it.

Still. I miss my friends. My social circle, in terms of who I actually see, is very small, just two or three. It’s hard not seeing my friends, some of whom have little kids that are growing up so quickly. I miss hugs and intimate conversations over a glass of wine.

I’m not saying any of this to complain–realistically, I know this is a big boat with lots of us in it (virtually, socially distanced and wearing masks!). I also know, that, in the grand scheme of things, I have it much better than most. I have a stable home, a stable job, and Stanley Park as my back yard. My family is safe and none of them have been affected by COVID (knock on wood).

But just to acknowledge; these are tough times, friends. I hope you are well and hanging in there.

Also: alcohol!!

Okay, I’m kidding. Kinda. Mostly.

We gotta find joy wherever we can, right? At home, virtual happy hours are where it’s at right now, and I have a treat for you. It’s called The Boulevardier.

I only just discovered this cocktail recently, and let me tell you, I’m a fan. I’ve been working on restocking my bar, and I have recently purchased bourbon, gin, campari and both sweet and dry vermouth.

With these few ingredients, the possibilities for cocktails are almost endless.

Negronis (a classic of happy hours everywhere)
My Pal (like a Boulevardier, but with dry vermouth)
Gin Pal (which uses gin as the base spirit)
Manhattan
Old Fashioned

And, of course, the Boulevardier, which is like a Negroni, but subs out the summery, lighter gin for a heartier, more cold-weather-friendly bourbon. And even though it’s new to me, it’s not new to the world. It has, in fact, been a thing since the late 1920’s.

It’s simple, but really the most perfect cocktail for fall. The bourbon is rich and bit smoky, and then the sweet vermouth balances out the bitterness of the Campari. Plus the colour is like a beautiful fall leaf. Salut!