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The summer is heading into last laps. While we enjoy it there is a certain bittersweet sensation to this part of the year, kind of like watching a kid get married — that mix of happiness coupled with a sense of loss. Madam, may I recommend you take a Boulevardier with you on to the deck? You can sit and sip on a drink that encourages contemplation of summers past.

A Boulevardier was a gentlemen of means with a propensity for idly strolling the Parisian boulevards in search of the company of women. The label was affixed with both affection and disdain. I can’t see Steven Harper enjoying being titled as such. Pierre Trudeau would probably smile at it.

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Not long after the term was invented fin de siècle, a drink was invented to accompany the profession. It is perhaps the perfect drink for this time of year, and nothing could be easier to mix.

Add two parts sweet vermouth, two parts Campari and three parts Canadian whisky to a glass over ice with an orange quarter and you are done. The lovers of strong drink will want it shaken and served in a martini glass. Those of us entering the sere and yellow often cut it with soda.

Campari is a taste that some only acquire with age, although for some reason I took to it quite young. Sweet vermouth — I default to Cinzano — also has a slightly bitter edge. I mix the two with a good Canadian whisky, like Forty Creek Barrel Select. A boulevardier also works very well with the stronger rye whiskies currently in vogue like Alberta Premium and Crown Royal Northern Rye.

Forty Creek Barrel Select $26 ****

Got a wine or wine style you’re curious about? Send me review suggestions on Twitter @drbooze.