Much like the name suggests, sipping on an Old Pal is like sharing a hug with your best friend. It’s familiar, warming, and you’ll never regret spending time with it. First mixed by the famous Harry MacElhone of Harry’s Bar in Paris, it was created for his good friend, journalist, and old pal, William ‘Sparrow’ Robertson.
It’s built on the classic Negroni ratio of equal parts spirit over ice, but instead of sweet vermouth and gin, it features dry vermouth and rye whiskey. It’s still a complex spirit-forward cocktail, but the dry vermouth and lemon twist lend a palate-cleansing lightness to heavy-hitting rye and Campari. It’s been a classic since the 1920s and continues to delight drinkers with its charm and friendly nature.
