A great date cocktail is hard to find. Thankfully, there's a go-to resolution in a classic: The Boulevardier.

This drink is easier to make than it is to pronounce ("bool-ah-vard-ee-a"), yet it still delivers a depth of flavor that will please just about anyone’s palate. The secret? A trio of liquors: bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth—which unite for a balance of sweet and tart.

“The vermouth gives the drink a lovely richness and depth," says Pat Thomas, head bartender at Vintage Cocktail Club (V.C.C) in Dublin, Ireland. "The Campari leaves a buttery mouthfeel, but at the same time promotes the dryness of the whiskey’s wood flavor, leaving you salivating.”

Did we mention it was a great date cocktail?

The Boulevardier's other benefit rests in its versatility, meaning you can adjust its flavors to suit your date's taste.

At V.C.C., Thomas uses Woodford Reserve bourbon for its peppery and floral hits. At home, he uses Eagle Rare because “it’s quite dry and woody.” Try your favorite bourbon in a Boulevardier to see how it transforms the flavor. Mix up your vermouths, should you wish. Experimentation is encouraged.

Thomas does offer up one word of caution: “Taste the components of your drinks as you’re making them. Adjust for your preference.”

Because you want to look like you know what you're doing.

Boulevardier

Traditional

1 1/2 oz. bourbon

1 oz. Campari

1 oz. sweet vermouth.

Peppery and floral

1 oz. bourbon (Woodford Reserve recommended)

1 oz. Campari

1 oz. Crown Ally Spirits Co. Sweet Vermouth

1 dash. Crown Ally Spirits Co. Orange Bitters

Dry and woody

1 oz. your favorite bourbon (Thomas likes Eagle Rare 10yr)

1 oz. Campari

1 oz. Cocchio Vermouth Di Torino

How to make it:

Combine all the ingredients in a chilled mixing glass full of ice. Stir until well chilled, about 1 minutes, and strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a small orange twist.

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