Old Pal recipe
Rye, dry vermouth, and Campari make the Negroni's leaner, sharper cousin—bright enough for an aperitif, stern enough for a nightcap.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 1 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
How to make a Old Pal
- Chill a coupe glass.
- Add rye, Campari, and dry vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until very cold.
- Strain into the chilled coupe.
- Express a lemon twist over the drink.
Garnish
Lemon twist.
Pro tip
The Old Pal needs fresh dry vermouth. A tired bottle makes its bitterness feel harsh instead of clean and refreshing.
History of the Old Pal
The Old Pal was printed in Harry MacElhone's 1927 Barflies and Cocktails. It is usually credited to bartender Harry MacElhone and sits neatly between a Negroni and a Boulevardier.
Flavour profile
Bitter, Dry, Rye, Citrus
Variations
- Boulevardier — Use sweet vermouth in place of dry vermouth.
- White Old Pal — Use Suze and blanc vermouth for a gentler bitter profile.
- Old Pal on the Rocks — Serve over one large cube in a rocks glass.
Practise making the Old Pal in the free Virtual Bar game.