I first made an "Old Pal" without even knowing such a cocktail existed (though I should have suspected - this is a tantalizing combo) - simply because I had on my shelves a nice bottle of bourbon, Campari, and some dry vermouth awaiting in my fridge. I'd been making a lot of Boulevardiers (whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth) and Perfect Manhattans (whiskey, sweet, and dry vermouth) and was interested in something that combined, in my mind, the best of all possible worlds: whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari. For a bit of added decadence, I opt for a Maraschino cherry in place of a citrus twist.
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon (or rye whiskey)
1 oz Campari
1 oz Dry Vermouth (we recommend Dolin)
1 Luxardo Maraschino cherry
Process:
- Combine the bourbon, Campari, and dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker or a glass.
- Add ice and stir until completely chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and add the Luxardo cherry with a touch of syrup.
Pair it with: