Boulevardier of the Rising Sun - A classic with a Japanese twist

The Boulevardier is one of the great icons of cocktail history. Created in Paris in the 1920s, it was popularized by the American writer and bon vivant Erskine Gwynne. The name comes from his magazine *The Boulevardier* —and this robust classic tastes just as elegant as a stroll along the Parisian boulevards. Traditionally, it combines whiskey, Italian bitters, and sweet vermouth into an aromatic, deep-red drink full of character. Our version reimagines this classic with an exciting Japanese twist.

Ingredients

• 3 cl Kirin Riku Whisky
• 3 cl Aka-Oni Rosso Japanese Aperitif
• 3 cl Campari

Preparation

Place all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently for about 20 seconds, until the drink is well chilled and the flavors are well blended. Strain into a pre-chilled tumbler over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange zest, if desired.

Taste

Kirin Riku Whisky adds soft notes of grain and a subtle spiciness, while Aka-Oni Rosso brings a fruity, slightly herbal depth. Campari provides the iconic bitterness and vibrant ruby red color. The result is a Boulevardier with a Far Eastern twist: elegant, aromatic, and wonderfully balanced.

A drink for long evenings—and for anyone who loves classics but enjoys trying something new.