The Boulevardier Spritz: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

There are cocktails born of precision—and others that emerge from creative tension. The Boulevardier Spritz belongs to the second category: a sparkling, lighter interpretation of one of the great whiskey classics. It takes the bourbon-rich, bittersweet gravity of the Boulevardier and lifts it into an effervescent, aperitivo-lengthened format. The result is a cocktail that bridges Parisian café culture, American whiskey heritage, and modern spritz sensibilities—light enough for golden hour, complex enough for evening sipping.

I. Origins

Before the Spritz, There Was the Boulevardier

To understand the Boulevardier Spritz, we start in 1920s Paris. The original Boulevardier was created by American writer Erskine Gwynne, founder of The Boulevardier magazine. A cousin of the Negroni, the Boulevardier replaced gin with bourbon or rye whiskey, creating a darker, richer, autumnal expression of the classic Italian formula:

• whiskey

• Campari

• sweet vermouth

It became a favorite of American expats during the interwar era—sophisticated, European, bittersweet.

Enter the Spritz Tradition

Meanwhile, in Northern Italy, the spritz was evolving from a simple wine-and-water drink (born under Austrian influence) into a true cocktail structure:

• bitter liqueur

• sparkling wine

• soda water

By the mid-20th century, the spritz format had become the beating heart of aperitivo culture.

The Boulevardier Spritz Emerges

Fast-forward to the 2010s and 2020s, when modern bartenders began exploring:

• lower-ABV versions of classic cocktails

• sparkling reinterpretations

• whiskey in lighter, more seasonal formats

The Negroni Sbagliato had already proven that replacing a spirit with sparkling wine could create a global sensation. Bartenders soon applied the same logic to whiskey cocktails. The Boulevardier Spritz was a natural evolution:

• Effervescent like a spritz

• Aromatically complex like a Boulevardier

• Lower in proof

• More versatile with food

• Perfect for warm months

It retains the deep bittersweet character of the original but introduces lift, brightness, and refreshing length.

II. Historical Evolution

1. The Whiskey Renaissance

The early 2000s ushered in a revival of classic whiskey cocktails—Boulevardiers, Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Vieux Carrés. Bartenders revisited pre-Prohibition recipes and highlighted vermouths, bitters, and amari.

The Boulevardier’s resurgence created fertile ground for experimentation.

2. The Spritz Explosion

Simultaneously, global spritz culture—especially after the Aperol boom—sparked demand for:

• lighter cocktails

• sparkling variations

• low-ABV options

• food-friendly aperitivi

Bars began developing “bitter spritz menus,” combining:

• amari

• vermouths

• sparkling wines

• aromatic garnishes

• innovative bitters

The Boulevardier Spritz found itself at the intersection of these two movements.

3. A Bridge Between Seasons

Traditionally, the Boulevardier is a cold-weather drink. The spritz is its summer counterpart. The Boulevardier Spritz unites both worlds:

Boulevardier → autumn, winterSpritz → spring, summerBoulevardier Spritz → all-year versatility

This seasonal flexibility increased its popularity at modern cocktail bars.

4. Influence of the Sbagliato Trend

After the Negroni Sbagliato went viral, bartenders explored sparkling riffs on bitter cocktails. Whiskey made for a deeper, bolder variation—uniquely photogenic with its copper-gold sparkle.

III. Ingredients & Technique

The Boulevardier Spritz works because each component contributes contrast and complement.

1. Whiskey

Choose:

• bourbon for sweetness, caramel, roundness

• rye for spice, dryness, intensity

Bourbon Spritz = smootherRye Spritz = more structured

2. Campari (or similar bitter aperitivo)

This is the backbone—providing:

• bitterness

• citrus peel aromatics

• vivid red color

• tension against whiskey

Some bartenders use alternative bitters (e.g., Contratto Bitter, Cappelletti) for regional nuance.

3. Sweet Vermouth

Use a high-quality Italian vermouth:

• Torino-style

• rich, herbal, cocoa-spiced

• refrigerated for freshness

This element binds whiskey and Campari harmoniously.

4. Sparkling Wine

Prosecco works best:

• bright acidity

• subtle sweetness

• lively bubbles

Cava or dry sparkling rosé also shine.

5. Soda Water (optional but traditional in spritz structure)

Adds lift, length, and gentle dilution.

6. Garnish

The canonical garnish:

• orange wheel or twist

For extra aromatics:

• expressed orange oils

• a sprig of rosemary (modern)

7. Ice & Glassware

Serve in:

• large wine glass

• full ice cubes

• built in-glass

This ensures a bright, open, airy build.

IV. Cultural Significance

1. A Modern Aperitivo for Whiskey Drinkers

Whiskey rarely appears in spritz culture. The Boulevardier Spritz solves that, making whiskey:

• approachable

• refreshing

• aperitivo-friendly

• sociable

It expands spritz demographics.

2. A Cocktail That Honors Two Traditions

This drink bridges:

• American whiskey heritage

• Italian aperitivo culture

• Parisian expatriate storytelling

• modern spritz aesthetics

It's both classic and contemporary.

3. A House Cocktail for Modern Bars

The Boulevardier Spritz fits perfectly into:

• wine bars

• craft cocktail bars

• rooftop lounges

• whiskey-forward restaurants

• aperitivo-focused menus

Its low-to-medium ABV and photogenic presentation make it universally appealing.

4. Culinary Versatility

Because the spritz format has less alcoholic heat, the flavors of whiskey interact more fluidly with food. Ideal pairings include:

• charcuterie

• grilled vegetables

• aged cheeses

• steak tartare

• roasted nuts

• salty snacks

It functions beautifully as either aperitivo or early-evening cocktail.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Boulevardier Spritz

Ingredients

• 1 oz (30 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey

• 1 oz (30 ml) Campari

• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth

• 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) Prosecco

• 1 oz (30 ml) soda water (optional)

• Garnish: orange wheel or orange twist

Method

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.

2. Add whiskey.

3. Add Campari.

4. Add sweet vermouth.

5. Pour Prosecco gently over the mixture.

6. Add a splash of soda water for extra lift (optional).

7. Give one slow stir to integrate.

8. Garnish with an orange wheel or an expressed twist.

Specs

• Glass: Wine glass

• Ice: Large cubes

• Garnish: Orange wheel or twist

• Style: Sparkling whiskey aperitivo

Technique Notes

• Keep vermouth refrigerated for optimal freshness.

• Prosecco should be cold to preserve its bubbles.

• Adding Prosecco before soda improves bubble structure.

• Rye creates a more “classic Boulevardier” flavor; bourbon softens the drink.

Variations & Lineage

• Boulevardier Sbagliato: No whiskey—just Campari, vermouth, and bubbles.

• Boulevardier Rosé Spritz: Use sparkling rosé.

• Spiced Boulevardier Spritz: Add 1 dash aromatic bitters.

• Cappelletti Boulevardier Spritz: Substitute Cappelletti for Campari.

• Dry Boulevardier Spritz: Use ½ oz vermouth + ½ oz dry vermouth for a lighter profile.

Service & Pairing Tip

This cocktail pairs exceptionally with:

• charcuterie

• burgers or sliders

• grilled mushrooms

• cheddar or gouda

• roasted almonds

• BBQ ribs

• duck confit

Serve at golden hour or as a dinner warm-up drink.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

A Cocktail That Balances Strength & Lightness

The Boulevardier Spritz is beloved because it preserves the structure of a bittersweet whiskey cocktail while adding:

• freshness

• buoyancy

• approachability

It offers the soul of a Boulevardier without the weight.

The Future of Bitter-Sparkling Hybrids

As the cocktail world continues championing:

• low-ABV

• sparkling

• bitter

• photogenic drinks

…the Boulevardier Spritz stands out as a sophisticated hybrid with year-round appeal.

Why It Will Endure

• Flexible across seasons

• Appeals to whiskey AND spritz drinkers

• Perfect balance of rich + refreshing

• Gorgeous color and presentation

• Historically grounded yet modern

• Easy to batch for parties

It represents where aperitivo culture is headed: classic foundations with contemporary flair.