A riff on the classic Old Pal, made lighter and more approachable by red aperitivo liqueur replacing red bitter liqueur. Don't skip the spray of orange...
Just made this with Cappelletti, did not disappoint. The bitter-sweet was well balanced, negroni like. Look forward to trying this with a proper orange-red aperitivo, perhaps Luxardo if I can find it. As Tuber and Simon suggest, do express the orange zest onto the drink albeit it's not in the recipe per se.
I struggled a bit with the first few sips trying to decide too sweet, not enough bitterness, etc. Rereading Difford's description and recipe thinking about how I might modify, I realized I had forgotten to express oils from an orange garnish. Doing so for the rest of the drink was a revelation. This drink requires this and definitely elevates it. Having said that, I'm not sure I will add it to my "Favourite Collection" until I contrast this with the more bitter Old Pal version.
Great drink. It felt like a Manhattan's regality and seriousness combined with the sprightly nature of a Negroni. I will say I used Select Aperitivo instead of Aperol, which made it even more suited as a digestif/nightcap.