Rum Boulevardier

About the Rum Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is often described as a Negroni with whiskey instead of gin, and the Rum Boulevardier takes that idea one step further by building the drink around Timber Creek’s Barrel Aged Florida Rum in equal parts with sweet vermouth and Campari. The result keeps the classic’s bitter, bittersweet character while adding a rounder, oak driven backbone underneath. Equal parts recipes like this one live or die by the quality of each ingredient, since there is no dominant pour to hide behind.

Barrel Aged Florida Rum earns its place here because of the time it spends in wood, part of Timber Creek’s PureBlend process of aging each component separately before blending, which gives the rum enough structure and gentle caramel depth to hold its own against Campari’s assertive bitterness rather than getting overwhelmed by it. Building it is simple: combine the rum, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice, stir until well chilled and properly diluted, then strain over a large rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Finish with an orange twist expressed over the top of the drink to release its citrus oils before dropping it in as a garnish.

Because it leans bitter and boldly flavored, this is a cocktail for people who already enjoy a Negroni or a classic Boulevardier and want to see how a barrel aged rum changes the equation. It pairs well with the FoodPairings on this recipe, charcuterie and dark chocolate, since both have enough richness and bitterness of their own to stand up to the drink rather than disappear next to it. It also makes a strong before dinner cocktail for guests who want something with real character rather than a sweeter, easier sipper.

As with any equal parts, fully spirited cocktail, it is stronger than its balanced flavor might suggest. Keep it to a civilized pace, and always have a safe way home planned.

The Boulevardier is often described as a Negroni with whiskey instead of gin, and the Rum Boulevardier takes that idea one step further by building the drink around Timber Creek’s Barrel Aged Florida Rum in equal parts with sweet vermouth and Campari. The result keeps the classic’s bitter, bittersweet character while adding a rounder, oak driven backbone underneath. Equal parts recipes like this one live or die by the quality of each ingredient, since there is no dominant pour to hide behind.

Barrel Aged Florida Rum earns its place here because of the time it spends in wood, part of Timber Creek’s PureBlend process of aging each component separately before blending, which gives the rum enough structure and gentle caramel depth to hold its own against Campari’s assertive bitterness rather than getting overwhelmed by it. Building it is simple: combine the rum, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice, stir until well chilled and properly diluted, then strain over a large rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Finish with an orange twist expressed over the top of the drink to release its citrus oils before dropping it in as a garnish.

Because it leans bitter and boldly flavored, this is a cocktail for people who already enjoy a Negroni or a classic Boulevardier and want to see how a barrel aged rum changes the equation. It pairs well with the FoodPairings on this recipe, charcuterie and dark chocolate, since both have enough richness and bitterness of their own to stand up to the drink rather than disappear next to it. It also makes a strong before dinner cocktail for guests who want something with real character rather than a sweeter, easier sipper.

As with any equal parts, fully spirited cocktail, it is stronger than its balanced flavor might suggest. Keep it to a civilized pace, and always have a safe way home planned.