Rye whisky, Campari, dry vermouth.
Why you are pouring this tonight
The Old Pal is the Boulevardier’s drier cousin: rye, Campari, dry vermouth, equal parts. Same template, drier vermouth, sharper drink. The cocktail for somebody who finds the regular Boulevardier slightly too sweet and would like a bit more grip.
Use rye for the bite (Bulleit Rye, Rittenhouse). Dolin Dry for the vermouth, never the cheap stuff. Stir for forty seconds in a mixing glass with cold ice, strain into a chilled coupe (or over a single big rock if you prefer the temperature on a long drink). Expressed lemon peel skin-down over the surface. The drink is named after Sloppy Joe, a 1920s Parisian bartender who reportedly called everyone old pal. Pair with the start of a serious dinner: prosciutto, aged hard cheese, smoked oysters.
What changes from the Boulevardier
Bourbon becomes rye. Sweet vermouth becomes dry vermouth. Served up.
What to pour it alongside
Charcuterie, anchovy toast, dark chocolate.
The recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Stir all with ice for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
- Express lemon peel over the drink; drop it in.
Nutrition
Want the classic? Our Boulevardier recipe is here.
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