Old Pal Cocktail Recipe

The Old Pal cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the Prohibition era. It was first created by Harry MacElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The Old Pal is a variation of the Negroni, but it uses rye whiskey instead of gin and dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, spirit-forward drink with a hint of bitterness.

• Origin: Prohibition era
• Creator: Harry MacElhone
• Bar: Harry's New York Bar in Paris

The Old Pal is a strong, spirit-forward cocktail with a hint of bitterness. It has a dry, slightly spicy taste from the rye whiskey, balanced by the herbal and bitter notes of the Campari and dry vermouth.

• The Old Pal is a variation of the Negroni, but with rye whiskey and dry vermouth.
• It was created during the Prohibition era, making it a classic cocktail.
• The name 'Old Pal' is believed to have been a nod to the camaraderie and friendship that was often found in speakeasies during Prohibition.

1. Gather ingredients
   • Rye whiskey, Campari, dry vermouth, and an orange twist.
2. Fill a mixing glass
   • Add ice to a mixing glass.
3. Measure and pour
   • Add 1.5 oz of rye whiskey, 0.75 oz of Campari, and 0.75 oz of dry vermouth to the mixing glass.
4. Stir
   • Stir the ingredients together until well chilled.
5. Strain
   • Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish
   • Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and place it on the rim of the glass.

• Use high-quality ingredients
  • The taste of your Old Pal will greatly depend on the quality of the rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth you use.
• Chill your glass
  • A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
• Stir, don't shake
  • Stirring the cocktail will ensure a smoother, clearer drink.

Cheese Platter

A selection of bold cheeses, such as aged cheddar or gorgonzola, can complement the spicy and bitter notes of an Old Pal.

Charcuterie

Cured meats balance perfectly with the herbal and spicy flavors of the cocktail. Think prosciutto, salami, or chorizo.

Spicy Appetizers

The Old Pal's bitterness contrasts well with spicy dishes like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers.

Dark Chocolate

For something sweet, the bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate is a nice counterbalance to the bitterness of Campari in the drink.

• Rye Whiskey - You can substitute the rye whiskey with bourbon for a sweeter taste.
• Campari - If you find Campari too bitter, you can replace it with Aperol.
• Dry Vermouth - If you don't have dry vermouth, you can use sweet vermouth, but this will make the cocktail sweeter.

Mezcal Old Pal

Swap rye for mezcal to add a smoky note. Everything else stays the same. The cocktail will have a mysterious smoky layer, like a friend who just returned from a bonfire.

Aperol Old Pal

Use Aperol instead of Campari for a less bitter, subtly sweeter, and more approachable drink. It's the friendly neighbor version of the original.

Blanc Pal

Substitute dry vermouth with blanc vermouth. The cocktail becomes a little sweeter, a bit more floral, and even more sophisticated—think of it as the Old Pal who went on a European vacation.