classic medium

Old Pal

A classic cocktail featuring rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari. Dry, bitter, and sophisticated.

Ingredients

  • Rye whiskey 1.5 oz
  • Dry vermouth 1 oz
  • Campari 1 oz

Instructions

  1. 1 Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
  2. 2 Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled
  3. 3 Strain into a chilled coupe glass
  4. 4 Garnish with a lemon twist
Glassware:

Coupe glass

Technique:

stir

Servings:

1

Garnish:

Lemon twist

The Old Pal is a classic cocktail that showcases the perfect balance of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari. It’s a perfect example of the “spirit + vermouth + bitters” formula and represents the pinnacle of classic cocktail culture.

History

Created in the 1920s, this cocktail was named after a newspaper columnist who was a regular at the bar where it was created. It’s essentially a dry version of the Boulevardier and has become a classic in its own right.

The Perfect Balance

This cocktail is all about balance - the rye whiskey provides the backbone, the dry vermouth adds herbal complexity, and the Campari brings bitter complexity. Together, they create a truly unique drinking experience.

Tips for Success

  • Use a high-quality rye whiskey for the best results
  • Dry vermouth should be fresh and of good quality
  • Campari is essential for the bitter component
  • Stir for exactly 30 seconds for proper dilution

Tags

#whiskey #classic #bitter #stirred

Source: Classic cocktail