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Cocktail History
The Old Pal is a classic whiskey cocktail that was created by bartender Harry MacElhone at his bar Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France in the early 1900s. It’s one of two popular variations of the Negroni that calls for equal parts of the spirit, vermouth, Campari, and an orange garnish, but it swaps out the gin for an aged whiskey and sweet vermouth for dry.
Cocktail legend has it that this drink was named for William Harrison “Sparrow” Robertson, a writer at the Herald Tribune who used to call everyone he met “old pal” as often as Jay Gatsby used the phrase “old sport” in The Great Gatsby.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Rye: This is the base spirit. It’s a type of whiskey made from at least 51% rye grain. We used Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey because it has a nice spiced flavor with notes of vanilla, pepper, and herbs. For a mocktail version of this drink, try The Gospel Responsible Rye Non-Alcoholic Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Dry Vermouth: This is a fortified wine that adds sweetness. We used Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry because it’s light and airy.
Campari: This is an Italian liqueur. It adds its distinct bitter yet savory flavor to the drink.
Orange Twist: This is the garnish. It adds fresh orange aroma and flavor when dropped into the cocktail.
Tasting Notes
The Old Pal features aromas of whiskey and Campari, tastes of whiskey balanced by the vermouth at first, and ends with the bitter aftertaste of the Campari.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: This is an incredibly dry and equally as bitter cocktail that landed it at the bottom of the Negroni variations Alex usually enjoys; he liked it but not more than the Negroni or Boulevardier. And Kendall couldn’t handle more than a sip. Maybe someday she’ll be able to take the bitterness of Campari.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Official Downton Abbey Cocktail Book: Appropriate Libations for All Occasions by Lou Bustamante.
AuthorThe Official Downton Abbey Cocktail BookPrep Time5 minsAdd rye, vermouth, Campari, and ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with orange twist.
Ingredients
Directions
Add rye, vermouth, Campari, and ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with orange twist.
Tools & Glassware We Recommend
More Campari Cocktails
If you like this Campari cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
• Desert Bird: A tequila and mezcal cocktail made with pineapple gum syrup, Campari, lime juice, saline solution, and a lime wheel
• Bicicletta: A white wine cocktail made with Campari, soda water, and a lemon wheel
• Rhubarb & Gingerbread Negroni: A gin cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, gingerbread syrup, and an orange peel
• Garibaldi: A Campari cocktail made with orange juice and an orange slice
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