Old Pal
The Old Pal is a very strong whiskey spirit-forward cocktail, bitter and sweet on the palate. Stirred and served in a coupe.
Flavor profile
- Sweet
- 64 out of 100
- Bitter
- 68 out of 100
- Herbal
- 49 out of 100
- Smoky
- 36 out of 100
- Boozy
- 85 out of 100
How to make an Old Pal
To make an Old Pal, stir with ice and strain into a coupe: 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz Campari and 1 oz dry vermouth.
You'll need
- Rye whiskey2 oz
- Campari1 oz
- Dry Vermouth1 oz
Instructions
- 1
Chill a coupe: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.
- 2
Pour rye whiskey, Campari and dry vermouth into a mixing glass (any sturdy glass works).
- 3
Fill it with ice.
- 4
Stir for 20-30 seconds, until the outside is cold to the touch.
- 5
Strain into the chilled coupe.
Why stir? Rye whiskey, Campari and dry vermouth are clear, so a gentle stir over ice chills and dilutes them without clouding the drink.
Old Pal questions
What does an Old Pal taste like, and is it sweet?
Yes, it's on the sweet side: it's mostly bitter and sweet, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 26% ABV once mixed.
How much alcohol is in an Old Pal?
About 26% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.
What's the difference between an Old Pal and a Dry Rob Roy?
Both use rye whiskey and dry vermouth. The Old Pal adds Campari. Both are stirred, but the Old Pal goes in a coupe and the Dry Rob Roy in a cocktail glass. The Dry Rob Roy is the stronger of the two.
Should an Old Pal be shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Rye whiskey, campari and dry vermouth are clear, so stirring chills it while keeping it silky; shaking would cloud it with tiny bubbles.
What can I use instead of campari?
Aperol (lighter, sweeter) will work.
What glass do you serve an Old Pal in?
A coupe.