Cooper’s Craft Imperial Boulevardier
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Cheers, friends! As we dive into the holiday season, one thing is for sure: entertaining is a must, and the stars of the show are the food and the cocktails. In particular, this Coopers’ Craft Imperial Boulevardier, made with Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve, is a great welcome cocktail that your guests will enjoy. For more holiday drinks, see my Chambord Sweet Thyme cocktail and my cranberry Moscow mule.
With this in mind, here is what makes the bourbon different. Coopers’ Craft owns a new barrel cooperage and raises its own barrels, which gives it control of the bourbon-making process from start to finish. What is more, the barrel contributes over 50% of the bourbon’s flavor and 100% of its color. I like to serve this drink with mini fig and brie bites and a fall charcuterie board.
As a result, what I like most about this cocktail is that it is not only simple but also smooth. Furthermore, if you are planning the whole evening, my easy holiday entertaining tips and my guide on how to host a holiday dinner party will help.
What Is a Boulevardier?
A Boulevardier is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Think of it as a Negroni made with bourbon in place of gin. This version adds apple cider, which softens the bitterness of the Campari and makes it feel like fall.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve (1 ounce): The bourbon base of the cocktail.
- Sweet vermouth (.5 ounce): Adds sweetness and herbal depth.
- Campari (.5 ounce): A bitter Italian liqueur that gives the drink its red color and bite.
- Apple cider (2 ounces): Softens the bitterness and adds a seasonal note.
- Ice: For chilling.
- Apple slice: The garnish.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Cocktail Shaker
For chilling the cocktail with ice.
Bar Spoon
For stirring until cold.
Jigger
For measuring ounces accurately.
Hawthorne Strainer
Strains the drink into the glass.
Rocks Glasses
The glass for this cocktail.
Large Ice Cube Tray
Big cubes melt slowly and keep the drink from watering down.
Paring Knife
For cutting apple slices.
Small Cutting Board
For garnish prep.
Cocktail Picks
For securing the garnish.
Bar Tray
For setting up a welcome drink station.
Glass Pitcher
For batching.
Cocktail Napkins
For serving.
How To Make a Coopers’ Craft Imperial Boulevardier
Step 1: Combine
Put the bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari, and apple cider into an ice-filled shaker.
Step 2: Stir
Stir until chilled.
Step 3: Pour
Pour into a rocks glass, on top of an ice cube if desired.
Step 4: Garnish
Top with an apple slice.
Coopers’ Craft Imperial Boulevardier
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve
- .5 ounce sweet vermouth
- .5 ounce Campari
- 2 ounces apple cider
- ice
- apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker.
- Stir until chilled.
- Pour into a rocks glass, on top of an ice cube if desired.
- Top with an apple slice.
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar ā three cocktails worth shaking up next.
Raspberry Bourbon Sangria
A fruit-forward sangria built for slow sipping and easy entertaining.
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Recipe: Woodford Spire
A spirit-forward sipper with bold, warming character.
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Variations
Classic
Leave out the apple cider for a traditional, spirit-forward Boulevardier.
Orange
Garnish with an orange peel in place of the apple slice.
Batch It
Multiply by the number of guests, stir together in a pitcher, and pour over ice.
Cinnamon
Add a cinnamon stick for a warmer holiday note.
When I Love Serving This Cocktail
Thanksgiving
A welcome cocktail as guests arrive.
Friendsgiving
Apple cider makes it feel like fall.
Christmas
The red color suits the season.
New Year’s Eve
Set the scene with my New Year’s Eve tablescape tips.
Supper Club
A smooth signature drink for the night.
Game Night
Equally important, it is an easy pour for an elevated game night.
What To Serve With a Boulevardier
Appetizers
Pair with easy cranberry brie crostini, prosciutto fig crackers, or pear and bleu cheese skewers.
Boards
Set out a cheese platter or a fried goat cheese board.
More Drinks
Offer a peartini, set up a holiday mimosa bar, or pour one of these four mimosas you must make this season.
Dinner
Follow with a peppercorn ribeye steak.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Batch: Mix the bourbon, vermouth, Campari, and cider ahead and refrigerate. Stir with ice when serving.
- Vermouth: Keep opened sweet vermouth in the refrigerator.
- Garnish: Slice the apple right before serving so it does not brown.
- Best served: Cold, in a rocks glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Boulevardier and a Negroni?
A Negroni uses gin. A Boulevardier uses whiskey.
Is this cocktail bitter?
Campari is bitter, but the apple cider and sweet vermouth balance it.
Can I batch it?
Yes. Multiply the recipe and stir it together in a pitcher.
What glass should I use?
A rocks glass.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the Coopers’ Craft Imperial Boulevardier is a simple, smooth cocktail for the holidays. Without a doubt, your guests will be impressed with this one. If you make it, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting. Cheers and happy holidays!
Please drink responsibly. Follow Eating With Erica on social media: @eatingwitherica
