Midnight Stroll (Rye, Campari, and Ramazzotti Cocktail)

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

The Boulevardier is my go-to cool-weather drink, but this extra-bitter version from Brandon Lockman, lead bartender at Red Star Tavern in Portland, Oregon, gives the classic a run for its money. There's an ample pour of rye whiskey to start, layered with rich red Campari. But instead of sweet vermouth, Lockman calls for a mix of orange liqueur and cinnamon-y, cardamom-y Amaro Ramazzotti. The drink is a bit less fruity than a Boulevardier, with a kick of spice.

Pierre Ferrand's fragrant, balanced Dry Curaçao (search for it online here) is truly best in this recipe; substitutes like Cointreau and Grand Marnier throw the drink out of whack. And don't even think about anything blue—those bottles are a different beast altogether.