Downton Abbey’s Old Pal Cocktail

A chilled cocktail consisting of whiskey, dry vermouth, and campari. Don’t forget the orange garnish. It makes a world of difference!

OLD PAL COCKTAIL

How many times have I written the words we do not drink on this site? Up until I tasted a Downton Abbey’s Old Pal Cocktail, that was the truth. I realized that my distaste for alcoholic drinks had been fueled by the misconception that all alcoholic drinks taste like cologne or perfume in the mouth. I was wrong. It became glaringly obvious that my first taste of alcohol was not favourable. It was probably something that should have been used to fuel a rocket rather than something to sip while conversing with friends.

In addition to that, I have always had a very strong reaction to wine. I do like the taste of a sweeter wine, however, within minutes of just one sip, I break out into sweat and my entire face becomes overheated and flush. Am I allergic to wine? I don’t know. But, why would someone want to drink it if such a reaction was guaranteed?

After years and years of opting for a Diet Coke at a party or any function for that matter, I decided to try my hand at making cocktails. And, as it turns out, I actually like some of them! So, this particular cocktail is just one of the mixed drink recipes I will be sharing with you. I have purchased all of the equipment I need to prepare cocktails. And, we now have a growing collection of liqueurs and liquors/spirits. To be honest though, I was more excited about getting to buy various drinking glasses and stemware!

SO, WHY AN OLD PAL?

For my birthday this past January, our really good friends, Michael and Gloria, gifted me the Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook. I already had the Downton Abbey Cookbook and the Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook. I’m a huge fan of the show, and if I had to make an education guess, I would say I’ve watched the entire series at least ten times over.

All of my cookbooks sit on a bookshelf just to my right. My desk is planted right next to it and I will often reach over and grab one of my favourites when looking for recipe inspiration. A month ago, I learned that the book that Michael and Gloria bought for me had a cocktail companion. I had to have it! Downton Abbey’s Old Pal Cocktail recipe comes from that book. When I drink it, I like to pretend I’m Lord Grantham. No, I don’t; I’m just kidding! Or am I?

If you are a lover of cocktails, or if you are just getting started with experimenting, like me, I would highly recommend the Downton Abbey Cocktail Book. In fact, you should buy all the books – especially if you love the series and if you love to cook and bake.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS DRINK:

• Canadian Whiskey – Canadian whisky can be quite dynamic and complex. The one prevalent law is that the whiskey must be fermented, distilled and aged in Canada. There are no laws dictating which grains must be used. It is often made from several different grains including corn, rye, and malted barley, and others. Each different grain type is generally fermented, distilled and aged separately. The most common Canadian Whiskeys are Canadian Club, Crown Royal, and JP Wiser’s.
• Dry Vermouth – Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine. There are two main types, one of which is red (sweet) and the other is white (dry). If you’ve ever had a Martini, then you’ve tasted a dry vermouth. There are many brands of dry vermouth out there. I used Martini & Rossi.
• Campari – Campari is a popular, brightly red coloured spirit that has a very strong bitter flavour and is accented with an orange note. Campari is pretty much one of a kind, so if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with aperol. The colour of the cocktail will change, because aperol is orange, not red. Also, aperol is sweeter and less bitter, but it does make one of the best substitutes for campari.
• Orange Twist – Don’t skip out on the orange! It does add to the flavour of the cocktail. Twist the orange over the mixed and poured drink to catch the released oils. Here’s a great video showing you how to get an orange twist.

HOW TO MAKE AN OLD PAL COCKTAIL:

To prepare a Downton Abbey’s Old Pal Cocktail, measure the whiskey, vermouth, and campari into a cocktail mixing glass. Add enough ice to cover the liquid. Use a cocktail stir spoon to stir until the liquid is chilled – about 30 seconds.

Place a few pieces of fresh ice into a rocks glass or an old fashioned. Strain the liquid into the glass and over the ice. Garnish with an orange twist which you cut right over the glass. Serve immediately.

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