The Mandrin Boulevard
Easy
Bitter
3 Minutes
Rocks Glass
Ingredients
Introducing The Mandrin Boulevard. So, what would happen if you made The Boulevardier using mandarin-flavored vodka instead of bourbon? Well, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, did and, well, the rest is history!
A twist on the classic Boulevardier, The Mandrin Boulevard is a cocktail made with three different types of alcohol– mandarin flavored vodka, Italian red bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth – all mixed in equal parts.
So, if you’re a fan of slow-sipping, spirit-forward cocktails, you’re going to enjoy The Mandrin Boulevard.
How To Make the mandrin boulevard Cocktail
Bar tools you’ll need
Mixing Glass
Jigger
Bar Spoon
Fine Strainer
Peeler
How to Mix
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Grab a Mixing Glass and measure and pour in Absolut Mandrin, Italian Red Bitter Liqueur and Sweet Vermouth.
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Add several large Ice Cubes.
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Stir with a Bar Spoon until ice cold.
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Add one large Ice Cube into a Rocks Glass.
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Use a Hawthorne Strainer to strain the mix into the Rocks Glass.
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Peel one Orange Peel strip from a Fresh Orange.
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Twist the Orange Peel over the drink before dropping it in your Glass.
Watch Rico make The Boulevardier and vodka version – The Mandrin Boulevard!
All about The Mandin Boulevard
The Mandrin Boulevard is a vodka twist on The Boulevardier, using mandarin vodka instead of bourbon. It was invented by Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan.
A citrusy and sophisticated spirit-forward sipper. First, there’s Absolut Mandrin which tastes like fresh-squeezed mandarin with the mature and distinguished flavors of dried mandarin peel. It works wonderfully with the bitter orange flavors from the Italian red bitter liqueur and sweetness of the vermouth.
When asked how it compares to the original Boulevardier, Rico says, “I’m not going to lie; you don’t get the flavors of the Bourbon, but with the flavors of Mandarin, it’s delicious.”
While the Boulevardier originates from 1920s Paris, The Mandrin Boulevard is a new recipe invented by Bartender and Absolut Global Ambassador, Rico Dynan in 2024.
While making a classic Boulevardier for his ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’ series, Rico answered the question “Will it Vodka?”. Rico substituted the Bourbon for Absolut Mandrin and created what’s now known as a Mandrin Boulevard.
Use large Ice Cubes for better dilution
For that perfect sip, you should use one large Ice Cube or a couple of large Ice Cubes. Why large Ice Cubes? “They actually dilute a lot slower and that just gives you better control over dilution,” explains Rico.
Dilution balances the flavors, softens the alcohol’s intensity, and enhances the drink’s overall smoothness. In short, it creates a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Stir until ice cold but not to perfection
This drink, just like the Boulevardier is a sipping drink. Using a Bar Spoon, you should stir your drink until it’s ice cold but don’t overdo it because your drink is going to be sitting on ice for a while when you sip it slowly.
The Boulevardier
Of course, we have to give credit to the original. The classic Boulevardier uses Bourbon instead of Vodka. As Rico says, “Let’s not mess around. It’s a Bourbon Negroni”. And, of course, that means it’s fantastic. Discover how to make The Boulvardier.
Absolut Mandrin Espresso Martini
Let’s continue the theme of classic cocktails with a twist. Here, we use Absolut Mandrin again to create the Absolut Mandrin Espresso Martini. You get those wonderful Mandarin notes pairing with Espresso and creamy Kahlúa. It’s delectable! Discover our recipe for this Espresso Martini variation.
To garnish this drink, squeeze an Orange Peel strip over your Glass to release the oils, then drop the Peel into your Glass for a finishing touch.
Like The Boulevardier, we recommend serving The Mandrin Boulevard in a Rocks Glass. It’s the perfect glass for sipping and for accommodating that all-important large Ice Cube (or Ice Cubes).
It's pretty damn good. You don't get the flavors of the bourbon, but with the flavors of mandarin, it's delicious.
Bartender and Global Brand Ambassador
The Mandrin Boulevard FAQ
There’s the bitter orange notes from the Italian Red Bitter Liqueur, Mandarin notes from Absolut Mandrin and the full-bodied, heavy, fruity flavors from the Sweet Vermouth. So, yes, there are lots of citrus flavors going on here.
Orange is a note that is found in some Bourbons so adding Absolut Mandrin, a Mandarin-Flavored Vodka, gives the Mandrin Boulevard that wonderful citrus twist.
When asked how this drink compares to the original Boulevardier, Rico says, “I’m not going to lie; you don’t get the flavors of the Bourbon, but with the flavors of Mandarin, it’s delicious.”
“If you’ve got some Absolut Mandrin at home and you want something that’s sophisticated, a little bit bitter and you like those Negroni type drinks, Absolut Mandrin is pretty perfect in this drink,” says Rico.
