Let’s get back to a Friday happy hour cocktail this last Friday of July. On the cusp of the longest lasting lunar eclipse of the century, let’s enjoy a red drink to celebrate. The red comes from our old friend Campari –  that beautiful Italian aperitivo that is the mainstay of the Negroni. Tonight let’s pair it with rye whiskey and dry vermouth to create the subtle Old Pal, a lighter version of the delicious Boulevardier. Lighter is good in this case since we are enjoying a heatwave here in the Pacific Northwest. On the historical note, I found that the Old Pal and the Boulevardier share the same creator, Harry MacElhone, of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Well, I must say ‘thank you Harry’ as the first cocktail is in your honor! The Old Pal is truly a beauty, give it a try!

Chill a cocktail glass. In a mixing glass, add ice, rye, vermouth, and Campari. Stir to thoroughly chill before straining into the chilled cocktail glass. Express the lemon twist, rub the rim, and drop in.

Enjoy!