Method
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari.
- Stir for about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
About the Old Pal
The Old Pal is a stirred short drink with equal parts rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari. The combination creates a balanced profile with whiskey's warmth, vermouth's herbal notes, and Campari's bitter edge.
History
The Old Pal first appeared in print in 1927 at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Created for sports editor William "Sparrow" Robinson, it was named after his friend Arthur Moss. The original recipe used sweet vermouth, but evolved to dry vermouth by 1934. It was included in the IBA official cocktails list from 1961 to 1987.