The Mandrin Boulevard cocktail recipe

RECIPE BY: RICARDO DYNAN
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

Introducing The Mandrin Boulevard. So, what would happen if you made The Boulevardier using Mandarin-Flavored Vodka instead of Bourbon? Well, Rico, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, did and, well, the rest is history!

A twist on the classic Boulevardier that uses Absolut Mandrin (Mandarin-Flavored Vodka) instead of Bourbon. It’s an equal-parts sipping cocktail that includes three different alcohol types – Absolut Mandrin, Italian Orange Bitter Liqueur and Sweet Vermouth.

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

What You’ll Need

• Mixing Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Bar Spoon
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Rocks Glass
• Peeler (for the Orange Peel)

How to Mix 

1. Grab a Mixing Glass and measure and pour in Absolut Mandrin, Italian Orange Bitter Liqueur and Sweet Vermouth.
2. Add several large Ice Cubes.
3. Stir with a Bar Spoon until ice cold.
4. Add one large Ice Cube into a Rocks Glass.
5. Use a Hawthorne Strainer to strain the mix into the Rocks Glass.
6. Peel one Orange Peel strip from a Fresh Orange.
7. Twist the Orange Peel over the drink before dropping it in your Glass.
8. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The Mandrin Boulevard

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.

Tips for Making the Perfect 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 original 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.

Variations of The Mandrin Boulevard

• 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.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for The Mandrin Boulevard

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).