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Perfect Pal
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...
Tim Co
2nd June at 14:25
Good subtitute on the summer porch to an Aperol Spritz
13th March at 03:22
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.
14th May at 14:02
Yes agreed re the oil spray bring essential here (fell off the instructions seemingly, Simon). Even lighter and fruitier this evening with. Melbourne-based Gospel solera rye and Dolin rouge. Distinct vinous notes also.
Calvin, having tried Luxardo apperitivo against Aperol, I definitely favour the original. Bumps it up the extra, all important half star which the Discerning such as ourselves appreciate 😉😝🤣
Calvin, having tried Luxardo apperitivo against Aperol, I definitely favour the original. Bumps it up the extra, all important half star which the Discerning such as ourselves appreciate 😉😝🤣
15th January at 23:58
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.
14th May at 14:07
Agreed, I was wavering over adding a dash of angostura, but left well alone in the end and added an extra zesty spray instead. I think vermouth di Torino and high abv rye are key here for those of us who are used to and appreciate a heavy duty Manhattan etc.
3rd January at 23:28
made it with bourbon, thus even sweeter than it should be, but I liked it regardless...
15th December 2025 at 19:52
Found jt great, but too sweet. Next time I'll try with campari instead of aperol. And maybe less sweet (rosso) vermouth and more dry vermouth.
15th December 2025 at 06:22
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.
24th October 2025 at 17:46
Another spectacular cocktail hiding in plain sight. Simple combination, wonderful result.
18th October 2025 at 21:35
Very good cocktail, for my taste a little bit on the sweet side. I could imagine a splash of citrus. But, as Simon said, very approachable.