
This cocktail was raised up as the 90th anniversary celebration beverage of the Hilton Chicago being built. The hotel originally opened as the Stevens Hotel in 1927. As many know, Chicago was a huge hub for bootlegging during prohibition and the leading man in the business was Mr. Capone himself. It is said that the drink was designed by a bartender friend of Capone’s back in New York, Campari being a nod to Capone’s Italian roots.
Templeton Rye first came to Illinois during prohibition as Capone was smuggling it across state lines, selling millions of dollars a year in alcohol alone. The Boulevardier cocktail has held a place in Chicago history, much like the historic Hilton Chicago.
Carli Mooney, Beverage Manager, Hilton Chicago, spent time teaching our editor how to mix The Boulevardier. (Watch at www.MidwestMeetings.com/TheBoulevardier)
Recipe below.
The Boulevardier
Mix:
1.5 oz Templeton Rye
.75 oz Campari
.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
Stir and serve in a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with an orange swath.
It doesn’t get easier than that. And with the beautiful burgundy hue and balanced flavor, The Boulevardier is a lovely cocktail for any celebration. Cheers!
In 2017, Hilton Chicago renovated its third floor meeting rooms as part of a $7-million renovation project to give groups more flexible meeting space.