A close cousin to the Boulevardier is the Old Pal. If you look closely at the original Boulevardier you’ll find a drink that closely resembles a Negroni – with the gin swapped out for bourbon. While the original ratio was equal parts, that ratio shifted over time to allow the whiskey to share the spotlight. That same template underpins the Old Pal, where the sweet vermouth has now been replaced with dry.
Old Pal
The bittersweet flavor of the Old Pal is more dry than it’s sweet vermouth cousin, the Negroni. That said, what it loses in sweetness it makes up for in spice and woodsy notes. The rye plays a delightful part giving some spice and notes of caramelized sugars and wood, while the herbalness of the wine mixes with the bittersweet campari flavors. The lemon oils from the garnish give an inviting nose, and add a tie for each element.
Drink Notes & Recommendations
I played around with several variations of the Old Pal recipe before settling on the 2:1:1 ratio found below. While you’re encouraged to play with this ratio, I found it gave the best balance between the rye, the weighty Campari, and the vermouth. Ironically – by upping the rye – the play between the delicate vermouth and the strong Campari lost its balance. Like a delicate partner in a tango, the rye caused them to lose their place tumbling into a thinner version of its better self.
In terms of ingredients:
- Rye – Rittenhouse Rye works very well here.
- Vermouth – Dolin Dry Vermouth is very lively in the Old Pal and works best. Feel free to substitute Martini & Rossi or Noilly Prat if that’s what you have available.
- Campari – There’s no substitute for a bottle of Campari. This will be a necessary bar staple if you intend to make Negronis – which are delightful in summer.
- Lemon Twist – Obviously, use a fresh lemon. This doesn’t seem like a critical ingredient here – and yet – the subtle oils of the lemon expressed open the nose and help the palate fully express itself. This is a must add for the Old Pal.
- To Express: Using a peeler or paring knife, remove a section of the peel. Using both hands, hold the ends of the peel between your thumb and index finger with the outside of the peel facing the drink. Over the drink – twist the peel – you should see a small fine mist briefly.
For more classic cocktails visit our cocktail list. Looking to set up a basic starter bar – both Rittenhouse and Dolin Dry Vermouth are recommendations on our list of recommended bottles for starting a home bar!
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