Old pal

Classic cocktail

Old Pal

Old Pal cocktails served in classic glassware

The Old Pal is a classic cocktail that belongs to the family of whiskey-based drinks. It is known for its dry and slightly bitter profile, which is achieved by combining rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari. The Old Pal is similar to the Negroni, but it uses dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth, giving it a distinct taste.

History

The Old Pal cocktail was first introduced in the 1920s. It is attributed to Harry MacElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, who included it in his book "Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails". The drink was named after William "Sparrow" Robinson, a sports editor for the New York Herald, who was a regular patron at Harry's bar. The term "Old Pal" was a colloquial expression used by Robinson, which MacElhone adopted for the cocktail.

Ingredients

The traditional recipe for an Old Pal cocktail includes:

• 1 part rye whiskey
• 1 part dry vermouth
• 1 part Campari

Preparation

To prepare an Old Pal, the ingredients are combined in a mixing glass with ice. The mixture is then stirred until well-chilled and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. The drink is typically served without a garnish, although some variations may include a twist of lemon peel.

Variations

While the classic Old Pal recipe is well-regarded, there are several variations that enthusiasts might explore:

• Boulevardier: A close relative of the Old Pal, the Boulevardier uses bourbon instead of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth.
• Negroni: Another similar cocktail, the Negroni uses gin instead of whiskey and sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth.

Serving Suggestions

The Old Pal is best served as an aperitif, given its dry and bitter profile. It pairs well with light appetizers and can be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Related pages

• Negroni
• Boulevardier (cocktail)
• Harry's New York Bar
• Rye whiskey
• Campari