Let’s add some new flavors to a classic Boulevardier cocktail! Do you ever buy a special liqueur and then it just sits in the cabinet? I took a look inside our Smokeshow cabinet and found the banana liqueur from our “There is Always Smoke in the Banana Stand” cocktail from back in February. So, I decided it was about time to figure out another way to use it!
We are delighted to share with you a recipe for a captivating beverage, the Smoked Banana Boulevardier. This drink is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. If you are curious about the history and creation of this remarkable drink, we invite you to continue reading.
What’s the difference between a Negroni and a Boulevardier?
First, it took me an embarrassingly long amount of time for me to learn how to even pronounce this cocktail, but luckily it’s easier to make than it is to say, haha!
A Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that is similar to a Negroni but made with whiskey instead of gin. The drink typically consists of equal parts whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, which are stirred together with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The cocktail is often garnished with a twist of orange peel, which adds a bright citrusy aroma and flavor to the drink. The Boulevardier is a rich and complex cocktail that balances the bold and bitter flavors of the Campari with the sweetness of the vermouth and the smoky notes of the whiskey. It is a great drink for those who enjoy strong, flavorful cocktails and is a popular choice among whiskey lovers.
I must admit, I have a certain affinity for Negroni cocktails. So, when I stumbled upon the Boulevardier that bore a striking resemblance to my beloved Negroni, I was intrigued. If you happen to share my curiosity, you’ll be happy to know that we have a number of tantalizing Negroni recipes available on our blog for your perusal.
Let’s Add Some FLAVOR!
To add a distinct character to this particular cocktail, I made certain adjustments to the ingredients. By elevating the quantity of banana liqueur and limiting the sweet vermouth, the banana flavor is given the spotlight it deserves. This modification creates a unique and delightful twist to the overall taste profile of the drink.
Banana liqueur is a sweet and fruity liqueur that is made from distilled spirits and flavored with banana. It is typically made by infusing ripe bananas in alcohol, such as brandy or rum, and then adding sugar or other sweeteners to create a flavorful and syrupy liqueur.
Banana liqueur is used in a variety of cocktails, such as the Banana Daiquiri and the Blue Hawaiian, and can also be used as a flavoring in desserts, such as cakes and ice cream. It is a popular ingredient in tropical and tiki-style cocktails and is known for its sweet and tropical flavor. Ours is the DeKuyper brand and can be found in most liquor stores. It would be a great purchase for summertime cocktails!
Up next, is the show…the SMOKESHOW! Negronis and smoke pair so well together, so since a Negroni and Boulevardier are long-lost brothers, smoke will pair beautifully with the Banana Boulevardier. We have two options for your Smoke Dust choice for this cocktail. If you want to keep it simple and amp up the bourbon flavor, choose Bourbon Barrel. If you’d like to bring out the bitterness from the Campari, choose Lemon Peel!
You can also smoke the bourbon separately, let the smoker sit on top of the glass, and then pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. This way, you’ll be mixing the smoke flavor throughout the whole cocktail.
Banana Boulevardier
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Glass
- 1 Cocktail Spoon
- 1 Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- 1 Butane Torch
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1.5 oz banana liqueur
Garnish & Smoke
- 1 pinch Bourbon barrel or Lemon Peel Smoke Dust
Instructions
Cocktail
- Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into rocks glass with ice.1 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth, 1 oz Campari, 1.5 oz banana liqueur
Garnish & Smoke
- Place smoker on top and smoke! Enjoy!1 pinch Bourbon barrel or Lemon Peel Smoke Dust
