The Boulevardier was born in 1920s Paris—created by American expats fleeing Prohibition—and first appeared in Barflies and Cocktails in 1927. Even though it’s essentially a bourbon-based version of the Negroni, it never reached the same level of fame. The drink faded into obscurity for most of the 20th century, only to be rediscovered during the late-2000s cocktail renaissance, when bartenders were digging through old books and reviving forgotten classics. Today it’s still less common than a Negroni, but you’ll find it on craft cocktail menus across the country.
Now, 100 years later in the middle of the non-alcoholic cocktail renaissance (is that a thing? We’re making it a thing), the Boulevardier turns out to adapt perfectly to zero-proof format. Kentucky 74 brings an oak-forward backbone, Giffard Aperitif Sirop supplies that essential bitter orange bite (it’s a dead ringer for Campari), and Roots Divino Sweet Vermouth adds herbal depth and gentle sweetness. Our alcohol-free Aromatic bitters—not traditionally added to a Boulevardier—provide additional spice, structure, and complexity, making this feel like a true slow-sipping classic.
This recipe was perfected using Kentucky 74, Giffard Aperitif, and Roots Divino Sweet Vermouth, but you can use your favorite whiskey, bitter aperitif, or vermouth (non-alcoholic or full strength).
Essentially a bourbon Negroni, this non-alcoholic Boulevardier will surprise you.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz Kentucky 74
1 oz Giffard Aperitif Sirop
¾ oz Roots Divino Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes ATB Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters
Directions
Keep spirits chilled and pour directly into a rocks glass.
Add bitters and ice (preferably one large cube), then stir for 10–15 seconds.
Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink.
Recipe Note
WHY THIS DRINK WORKS The Boulevardier succeeds in non-alcoholic format for the same reason the Negroni does: bitter aperitifs lend the structure and body needed to make a satisfying NA cocktail. Kentucky 74 brings the oak and bite you expect from bourbon, while Giffard Aperitif (our stand-in for Campari) supplies the essential bitter orange backbone. Roots Divino Sweet Vermouth rounds things out with herbal depth—just enough to add complexity without making the drink overly sweet. The result is a zero-proof cocktail that’s surprisingly alcohol-like, miles away from your standard Shirley Temple mocktail.
ABOUT NON-ALCOHOLIC APERITIFS Giffard Aperitif is our top pick for a straight Campari alternative because it delivers the closest match to Campari’s intensity and grip, but there are plenty of excellent options. Wilfred’s offers a softer, less-bitter profile with clove and rosemary; Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo leans intensely bitter and herbaceous with a grapefruit edge; Ghia brings ginger and tart fruit for a more modern, aromatic style; and Lyre’s Italian Spritz provides a familiar Aperol-like profile. Each brings its own personality, and all can work beautifully depending on the style you’re after.
ABOUT SPIRITLESS KENTUCKY 74 Kentucky 74 is a non-alcoholic whiskey made through a proprietary reverse-distillation process: a neutral grain spirit is infused with American oak and then the ethanol is removed, leaving a full-flavored distillate with less than 0.5% ABV (the definition of non-alcoholic). The result is a spirit with true barrel character—rich, oak-forward, and ideal for replicating the depth of whiskey in a non-alcoholic cocktail.
USING BITTERS IN MOCKTAILS Cocktail bitters provide depth and balance, rounding out sweet and sour flavors while adding bite. Since All The Bitter is completely 0% ABV (unlike traditional bitters, which are around 45% alcohol), you can use as much as you like to dial in flavor and complexity without affecting the ABV of your drink.
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