Classic Old Pal Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce of rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce of dry vermouth
  • 1 ounce of Campari
  • 1 slice of orange peel for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari to the glass.
  3. Stir the mixture until it's well chilled, about 20 to 30 seconds.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish the cocktail with a slice of orange peel and serve.

Tools for making

  • Mixing glass - Used to mix the ingredients with ice.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
  • Cocktail glass - The serving glass for the Old Pal cocktail.
  • Bar spoon - Used to stir the ingredients together.
  • Orange peeler - Used to garnish the cocktail with a slice of orange peel.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute bourbon for rye whiskey to create a slightly sweeter flavor.
  • Replace dry vermouth with sweet vermouth for a richer taste.
  • Experiment with different types of bitters, such as orange bitters or chocolate bitters.
  • Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Try garnishing with a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry instead of an orange peel.
  • Adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit personal preference.

Recipe overview

Welcome to the Old Pal cocktail recipe! This classic cocktail is a cousin to the Negroni, with a twist. The Old Pal uses dry vermouth instead of sweet, and rye whiskey replaces the gin, making this cocktail a little spicier and with a drier profile. It's a simple, yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced cocktail. It'll only take you a few minutes to prepare, and it's a splendid way to impress your guests, or just to savor at the end of a long day. So, gather your ingredients and let's get started on making a delightful Old Pal.

Common questions

  1. What type of whiskey should I use for the Old Pal cocktail? You should use rye whiskey for this recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the rye whiskey with another type of whiskey? While rye whiskey is traditionally used in the Old Pal cocktail, you can experiment with other types of whiskey if you prefer.
  3. What is the recommended brand of rye whiskey for this recipe? There isn't a specific brand recommendation, but popular choices for rye whiskey include Rittenhouse, Bulleit, and Sazerac.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of each ingredient? Yes, you can adjust the amounts of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari to suit your personal taste preferences.
  5. Do I need any special equipment to make this cocktail? You will need a mixing glass, a stirring spoon, and a cocktail strainer to prepare the Old Pal cocktail properly.
  6. Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Old Pal cocktail? Since the Old Pal cocktail is primarily alcohol-based, it doesn't have a direct non-alcoholic counterpart. However, you can try substituting the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives like non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives or herbal mocktails.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing glass - A glass container used for mixing and stirring the cocktail ingredients.
  • Cocktail strainer - A utensil used to strain the cocktail and separate it from the ice and other solid ingredients.
  • Cocktail glass - A stemmed glassware specifically designed for serving cocktails. It enhances the presentation of the Old Pal.
  • Bar spoon - A long-handled spoon used for stirring and layering ingredients in cocktails.
  • Ice - Essential for chilling the cocktail and diluting it slightly during the stirring process.
  • Orange peeler - A tool used to peel a slice of orange for garnishing the Old Pal.

Origin stories

The Old Pal is a cocktail that traces its roots back to the 1920s. It was created by Harry MacElhone, a notable bartender of the time, who served this drink at his bar, Harry’s New York Bar, in Paris. The cocktail was originally concocted for a friend of MacElhone's, a sports writer named Sparrow Robertson, who is also credited with naming the drink. The Old Pal is a variation of the Negroni, substituting whiskey for the gin. This gives it a drier profile, while still retaining a unique, bold balance of flavors. It's a cocktail with a rich history, that has managed to endure and delight through the decades.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.