Old Pal

Harry MacElhone's ode to an old friend.

photo: Daniel Krieger

Harry MacElhone of Harry’s Bar in Paris credited his “old pal,” journalist William “Sparrow” Robertson, with the inspiration for this drink. As the sports editor for the New York Herald in Paris, Robertson frequented Harry’s place enough to receive mention in his 1922 ABC of Mixing Cocktails. The Old Pal is essentially a Boulevardier, another drink by MacElhone, but drier thanks to mix of rye, Campari and dry vermouth in the place of sweet.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1 ounce rye
  • 1 ounce rye
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth

Garnish: orange or lemon peel

Directions
  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir until chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon or an orange peel.

Tagged: Boulevardier, Campari, dry vermouth, Harry MacElhone, Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails, Harry's New York Bar, rye, whiskey hub

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