This is a cocktail we discovered by accident but have had quite a bit of fun experimenting with over the last months of winter. We had friends in town from New York. Our dinner plans started with Negronis, but we discovered at the last minute that we were out of gin.

Our friends, noting the extraordinary amount of whisky in our pantry that we had left over from a photography project, immediately suggested the Boulevardier. Cocktail hour was saved!

The Boulevardier is essentially a Negroni, with whisky (typically bourbon) instead of gin. According to most sources, the recipe dates back to at least the 1920's, but the Negroni won out in terms of fame. It's rich, smooth, and slightly sweet, and would be perfect for sipping by a fire with friends.