As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the refined waterfront destination The Loch & Quay invites discerning diners to indulge in the art of the Boulevardier – a sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni. This robust cocktail, featuring the bold flavors of bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, has been a staple on the menu at The Loch & Quay for years, showcasing the establishment’s commitment to celebrating the art of mixology alongside its renowned local cuisine.
The Boulevardier’s Origins
The origins of the Boulevardier can be traced back to 1927 and the renowned American writer Erskine Gwynne, who was the editor of a Parisian magazine called “The Boulevardier.” Legend has it that Gwynne enjoyed spending his evenings sipping Negronis at Parisian cafés, eventually inspiring him to create his own unique take on the Italian aperitif. By swapping the traditional gin for American whiskey, Gwynne’s Boulevardier offered a richer, more velvety interpretation of the Negroni.
The Loch & Quay’s version of the Boulevardier stays true to its roots, featuring a harmonious balance of Campari, sweet vermouth, and a premium bourbon or rye whiskey. The resulting cocktail is a study in contrasts – the bittersweet notes of the Campari are tempered by the caramelized sweetness of the whiskey and the subtle complexity of the vermouth. It’s a delightfully sophisticated sipper, perfect for enjoying alongside the restaurant’s seasonal menus or as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Seasonal Twists on the Classic
As the seasons change, the team at The Loch & Quay takes great pride in updating their Boulevardier recipe to showcase the finest local and regional ingredients. In the autumn months, they might incorporate spiced pear or cinnamon-infused vermouth to evoke the warm, cozy flavors of the harvest. During the spring, the cocktail might feature citrus-forward vermouth and a touch of rosemary-infused simple syrup to mirror the bright, herbaceous notes of the season.
No matter the time of year, The Loch & Quay’s Boulevardier is a testament to the art of the cocktail, blending the timeless elegance of the original with a modern, seasonally inspired twist. It’s a drink that truly celebrates the bounty of the region and the skilled hand of the bartender, making it a must-try for any visitor to this refined waterfront destination.
Spirits and Liqueurs
The success of The Loch & Quay’s Boulevardier lies not only in its balanced flavor profile but also in the quality of its base ingredients. The restaurant sources its bourbon and rye whiskey from several renowned local and regional distilleries, each offering unique flavor profiles that complement the other components of the cocktail.
For the sweet vermouth, The Loch & Quay team has carefully curated a selection of both dry and sweet vermouths, each offering distinct aromatic and flavor notes. Dry vermouths, such as Noilly Prat or Dolin, lend a subtle herbaceous and citrus character, while sweet vermouths, like Carpano Antica or Cinzano, contribute a rich, syrupy sweetness.
Of course, no Boulevardier would be complete without the inclusion of Campari, the iconic Italian aperitif wine known for its distinctive bitter orange taste. The Loch & Quay team has worked closely with their suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of this essential ingredient, which serves as the backbone of the cocktail’s flavor profile.
Seasonal Ingredients
In addition to the core spirits and liqueurs, The Loch & Quay team also incorporates a variety of seasonal ingredients to add depth and complexity to their Boulevardier. During the fall and winter months, they might turn to warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to evoke the cozy flavors of the season. Citrus also plays a starring role, with oranges and lemons providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, herbal notes of the cocktail.
As spring and summer arrive, the team celebrates the bounty of the local harvest, incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint to lend a vibrant, aromatic quality to the drink. Fruit also shines in these warmer months, with pomegranate, cranberry, and ripe berries adding pops of color and tartness to balance the cocktail’s sweetness.
Mixing Techniques and Presentation
At The Loch & Quay, the art of the Boulevardier extends beyond the ingredients to the meticulous mixing techniques employed by the restaurant’s skilled bartenders. Whether stirring the cocktail to achieve the perfect level of dilution or shaking it to create a silky, foamy texture, the team takes great care to ensure each Boulevardier is a perfectly balanced and visually appealing delight.
The Loch & Quay’s bartenders are also masters of glassware and garnishes, selecting the appropriate vessel – be it a rocks glass or a coupe – to showcase the cocktail’s elegant profile. Carefully crafted citrus twists, fresh herbs, and dried fruits adorn each Boulevardier, adding both visual appeal and an additional layer of aroma and flavor.
Seasonal Cocktail Trends
As the team at The Loch & Quay continues to push the boundaries of the Boulevardier, they also keep a keen eye on the ever-evolving world of seasonal cocktail trends. In the cooler months, they’ve noticed a growing demand for spiced, bitter, and herbal libations that evoke the warmth and comfort of the season. Drinks featuring aromatic bitters, amari, and fortified wines have become increasingly popular, as have those incorporating roasted and caramelized ingredients like coffee, toffee, and molasses.
Conversely, as the warmer months approach, The Loch & Quay team has observed a shift towards more refreshing, bright, and floral cocktails. Citrus and stone fruit make frequent appearances, often paired with floral liqueurs and infused syrups. Sparkling wines and botanical gins also feature prominently, providing a lively, effervescent counterpoint to the richer, more structured cocktails of the colder seasons.
Regardless of the time of year, The Loch & Quay remains at the forefront of the cocktail scene, continuously evolving its Boulevardier recipe and exploring new and innovative ways to showcase the art of mixology. Whether you’re a discerning Boulevardier enthusiast or simply seeking a sophisticated and seasonal libation, a visit to this refined waterfront destination is sure to delight your senses and leave you longing for your next encounter with this timeless classic.