You’ll see where this classic cocktail gets its name as it becomes your next bar buddy.
Think about the bars, pubs and taverns you’ve been to. Or the dark, smoky cocktail lounges and punk rock dives. Some of their names you can’t remember, some you’ll never forget. Many of these establishments are gone now, though many still remain. And a few of these are world famous, with a history to match. One such bar is Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France.
Originally a bistro, American jockey Tod Sloan purchased the business and turned it into a bar, naming it the New York Bar. The person he entrusted to run the place was a Scotsman named Harry MacElhone. Gaining popularity during the First World War, the New York Bar was frequented by celebrities and expatriates, many of whom left the states during Prohibition, and were happy to find somewhere that served strong drinks and felt a little bit like home. In 1924, Harry purchased the bar and added his name to it. The next time you’re in Paris, stop in for a tipple. Tell your taxi driver, “Sank Roo Doe Noo.”
Harry’s is also quite famous for the number of classic cocktails that were invented behind the historic bar. There’s the fizzy gin and champagne concoction the French 75. Other timeless favorites created here also include the Sidecar, the Scofflaw, Boulevardier, and – according to legend – the Bloody Mary. Some claim the last recipe was created for Ernest Hemingway himself! Another old-school recipe that came from Harry’s is the one we’re making tonight, the Old Pal.
A robust, complex mixture of rye whiskey, dry vermouth and Campari, the Old Pal is attributed to Harry. One of his bar’s frequent patrons was William “Sparrow” Robinson, a sports editor for The New York Herald. Robinson was known for calling folks “old pal” in conversation, and was a fan of the rye/Campari/vermouth beverage. Naturally, MacElhone named it after the writer and the recipe has appeared in many of the barman’s publications.
What is the Best Whiskey to Use in an Old Pal?
In the 1920s, the Old Pal was made with Canadian whiskey. If you want to go the traditional route, grab a bottle of Crown Royal. Our recipe suggests using a rye whiskey, which when combined with the dry vermouth and bitter Campari delivers a lean, crisp cocktail with peppery, spicy notes. My personal favorite ryes at the moment are High West and Bulleit, and neither one will disappoint.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce rye whiskey
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice to chill the ingredients.
- Add 1 ounce each of rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth to the mixing glass.
- Stir the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Chill a coupe glass in your freezer for fifteen to thirty minutes. Pour your Old Pal in and enjoy.
With only three ingredients, all alcohol, you can upscale this recipe and premix a large batch ahead of a party or gathering. Store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to a couple of days, and stir over ice before pouring individual servings.
The Old Pal is 169 calories per glass. Nice.
“Sank Roo Doe Noo” is engraved on the mirror behind the bar at Harry’s. In the short story “From a View to a Kill”, by one of the establishment’s famous customers, Ian Fleming, this is how James Bond instructs his Parisian cabbie to take him to the famous location. It is the phonetic pronunciation of Harry’s address (5 Rue Daunou).
Similar Cocktails to the Old Pal
Feeling wistful for days of yore, of olden times not experienced? Having romantic notions of cocktails in the wee hours with mysterious and enigmatic characters from all over the globe? A few drinks from Harry’s New York Bar will set the right mood, and Twist & Toast has the recipes you need at your fingertips.
- Bloody Mary – When you need to start your day with a bit of the “hair of the dog” after a long night out.
- Scofflaw – Invented in 1924, this cocktail is named after those Americans who clandestinely sipped alcoholic drinks during the years of Prohibition
- Sidecar – Another cocktail born from Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
- French 75 – This classic tipple has withstood the test of time. One sip and you’ll taste why.
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