Classic Bourbon Old Pal Cocktail Recipe

Discover the Old Pal cocktail, a robust cocktail that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This whiskey-based drink balances the warmth of bourbon or rye with the bittersweet complexity of Campari.

When winter’s icy grip tightens, there’s no better way to fight back than with a cocktail that matches the season’s intensity. The Old Pal rises to this challenge, offering a bold and bracing flavor profile that warms you from the inside out.

The Old Pal’s secret weapon? A potent combination of bourbon or rye whiskey and Campari. The whiskey provides a sturdy base, while Campari adds a sophisticated bitterness that elevates the entire drink.

Dry vermouth plays a crucial role in this cocktail, acting as a mediator between the two strong-willed ingredients. The result is a harmonious blend that’s both powerful and nuanced – exactly what you need as snowflakes start to fall.

Fun fact: The Old Pal is closely related to another classic cocktail. By swapping dry vermouth for sweet, you’ll create a Boulevardier. Why not try both and compare?

Old Pal Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce dry vermouth
• 3/4 ounce Campari
• Garnish: lemon twist

Directions

1. Fill a mixing glass 2/3 full with ice. Pour in the whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari. Stir the mixture for about 20 seconds, or until it’s thoroughly chilled. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. For the finishing touch, twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then use it as a garnish.

Cocktail Variations

• The Boulevardier: Swap dry vermouth for sweet vermouth
• Negroni: Replace whiskey with gin for a gin-based classic