Old Pal recipe

Portrait of Florian Bouché

Dry, bitter Negroni cousin made with rye whiskey, served straight up in a cocktail glass.

Aperitif Court Great classics
Volume 9 cl
Alcohol 30 %
Calories / serving 186 kcal
Colour Red
Published 11/2026
Photo of the Old Pal cocktail

Ingredients

As an Amazon Associate, Passion Cocktail earns from qualifying purchases.

Preparation

  1. Pour the rye whiskey, Campari and dry vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir for about thirty seconds.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Serving

This cocktail is served in:

Cocktail glass

Cocktail glass glass Buy

History

Published in 1927 by Harry MacElhone of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, it is said to honour William “Sparrow” Robertson, a New York Herald sportswriter who called everyone “old pal”.

Decoration

Garnish with a lemon zest expressed over the glass.

Variation

With sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth and bourbon instead of rye, it becomes a “Boulevardier”.

Rate this recipe

A cocktail that nailed it, a texture that missed, a flavour that surprised you: every rating counts. It helps us spot the best recipes and improve the ones that deserve it.

Frequently asked questions

Which glass should the Old Pal cocktail be served in?

Recommended glass: cocktail glass.

How strong is the Old Pal cocktail?

The Old Pal cocktail is about 30% alcohol.

How many calories are in the Old Pal cocktail?

Allow for about 186 kcal per serving.

View this recipe in the Passion Cocktail app

Download for free

Similar recipes

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health; please drink responsibly. This cocktail is not recommended for pregnant women.

Portrait of Florian Bouché

Creator and editor of Passion Cocktail

Creator of Passion Cocktail since 2021. I select and review the recipes published on the site and in the mobile app.

Updated on 17/10/2026

More about the author

Download the app now

Many cocktail recipes are waiting for you.