God Hates Quitters: An Ode to Consistency
January arrives with resolutions in hand—some of them involving a break from cocktails. But for listeners of Novio’s Radio, the philosophy leans more toward consistency than abstinence. As Bob Cutler reminded us, quoting his father, Command Sergeant Major William A. Cutler: “God hates quitters.” It’s the perfect mantra to kick off a new year—especially when paired with a cocktail that’s as bold as the message.
In this week’s episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob brought a creative twist to a classic: the Boulevardier. Traditionally made with equal parts whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, this cocktail offers a rich, warming balance of bitter and sweet. But Bob swapped out the sweet vermouth for yellow Chartreuse and replaced Campari with Cynar, an Italian artichoke liqueur known for its earthy, herbal flavor.
Yellow Chartreuse, crafted by monks in the French Alps, brings notes of honey and saffron, giving the cocktail a smooth sweetness. Meanwhile, Cynar’s herbal bitterness balances out the richness of the bourbon. The result? A beautifully layered drink that begins herbal and bitter, rolls into subtle sweetness, and finishes with the warm caramel and oak of bourbon.
As always, Bob didn’t just share a recipe—he shared a ritual. Starting with one ounce each of bourbon, yellow Chartreuse, and Cynar, he stirred the mixture over ice until perfectly chilled. The key? Using a single large, crystal-clear cube to ensure slower dilution and no unwanted flavors. This attention to detail transforms a simple drink into a mindful experience—one that invites you to savor each sip.
Beyond the glass, Bob’s pairing suggestions made us long for cozy winter evenings. He recommends this cocktail with hearty fare, such as acorn squash soup or a burger. Or better yet, pair it with a friend, a quiet conversation, and a game of cribbage.
For those who aren’t joining the Dry January bandwagon, why not try this equal-parts wonder? Grab a bottle of yellow Chartreuse if you can—it’s increasingly rare—and mix up something worth toasting.
Want more cocktail inspiration? The Cocktails with Friends team is here to help. Text their Cocktail Hotline or catch the full episode for more stories, laughs, and creative drinks. After all, 2025 deserves a bold start—and as Bob reminds us, “God hates quitters.”
Boulevardier Recipe (with a Twist from Novio’s Radio)
Bob’s creative twist on the classic Boulevardier features a unique blend of bourbon, yellow Chartreuse, and Cynar—an equal-parts cocktail that balances bitterness, sweetness, and warmth perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz bourbon (Bob used Michter’s, but any quality bourbon will do)
- 1 oz yellow Chartreuse (adds honey and saffron notes with a touch of sweetness)
- 1 oz Cynar (an Italian artichoke liqueur, less bitter than Campari)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir thoroughly until the outside of the mixing glass feels cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a single large ice cube.
- Serve with no garnish—it’s perfect as is!