Pen Pal

The Pen Pal is a sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that beautifully balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey with the bittersweet orange character of Aperol. Dry vermouth adds a layer of herbal complexity, while a dash of bitters ties all the flavors together. It is a modern riff on the classic Old Pal, offering a slightly softer and more approachable flavor profile while maintaining a delightful complexity.
Pen Pal

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Pen Pal is categorized as a modern classic cocktail, typically served as an aperitif before a meal. It belongs to the family of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, much like its relative, the Negroni. Its balanced and bittersweet character makes it a sophisticated choice.

Serving

The Pen Pal is served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It is a spirit-forward drink of moderate strength, best enjoyed cold.
Serving size
Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml
Alcohol content
25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Pen Pal cocktail was created in the mid-2000s by renowned bartender Sam Ross at New York City's iconic Milk & Honey bar. It is a direct and intentional variation of the classic "Old Pal," which is made with rye, Campari, and dry vermouth. Ross ingeniously swapped the intensely bitter Campari for the lighter, more citrus-forward Aperol, creating a more accessible but equally complex drink for a modern palate.
Origin
The Pen Pal was created by Sam Ross at the Milk & Honey bar in New York City, USA, during the mid-2000s cocktail renaissance.

Pen Pal

The name "Pen Pal" is a clever play on its direct predecessor, the "Old Pal" cocktail. This reflects the simple substitution of one key ingredient, creating a new yet related drink. It is not widely known by other alternative names, though "Aperol Old Pal" is sometimes used to describe it.
Original name
Pen Pal
Alternative name
Aperol Old Pal

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a silky, smooth texture and a clear, deep amber appearance. Its flavor is a complex balance of bittersweet orange and rye spice, with a warming, clean finish suitable for enjoyment year-round.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Spicy, Herbal, Citrusy, Orange
Aroma
Rye spice, Orange peel, Herbal, Aromatic
Taste balance
Balanced, Bitter, Sweet
Aftertaste
Warming, Clean, Lingering spice
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Amber, Deep orange, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
All-season, Warming, Refined

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Pen Pal has a medium flavor intensity, led by a distinct bitterness from Aperol and a noticeable alcoholic warmth. The rye provides a spicy backbone, balanced by a subtle sweetness and fruity notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To craft a Pen Pal, you will need three key liquids in equal parts spirit to modifiers: spicy rye whiskey, bittersweet Aperol, and herbal dry vermouth. A couple of dashes of aromatic bitters are also essential to complete the flavor profile.
  • Rye Whiskey2 ounces / 60 ml
    A high-proof (100 proof / 50% ABV) rye is recommended for a spicier backbone.
  • Aperol1 ounce / 30 ml
    Provides the characteristic bittersweet orange flavor and vibrant color.
  • Dry Vermouth1 ounce / 30 ml
    Adds herbal complexity and dryness. Ensure the vermouth is fresh.
  • Angostura Bitters1 dash
    Adds depth and aromatic spice notes.
  • Peychaud's Bitters1 dash
    Contributes subtle floral and anise notes.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a stirred cocktail, so you will need standard bar tools including a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer. A chilled serving glass is also crucial.
  • Mixing glass for chilling and diluting the ingredients
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Strainer to pour the cocktail without ice

Instructions

The Pen Pal is made by stirring all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until perfectly chilled and diluted. The mixture is then strained into a pre-chilled coupe glass and garnished with an expressed lemon twist.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes, or fill it with ice water and let it sit.
2. Combine the rye whiskey, Aperol, and dry vermouth in a mixing glass.
3. Add one dash of Angostura bitters and one dash of Peychaud's bitters to the mixing glass.
4. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cubed ice.
5. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is well-chilled.
6. If using ice water, discard it from the serving glass.
7. Using a strainer, pour the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
8. Cut a swath of lemon peel, twist it over the drink's surface to express its oils, and use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the perfect garnish for the Pen Pal. Expressing the citrus oils over the drink's surface before serving adds a bright, aromatic dimension that elevates the cocktail.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release oils, then dropped in or placed on the rim

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan and free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, and nuts. However, as it is made with rye whiskey, it is not considered gluten-free and may not be suitable for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol content. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to many other mixed drinks.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent choice for an aperitif to stimulate the appetite before dinner. It shines during a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a welcoming drink at a dinner party. Its balanced and spirit-forward nature makes it ideal for social gatherings where conversation and quality sipping are key.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Dinner Party
  • Social Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Pen Pal's bittersweet and herbal character pairs excellently with savory and salty appetizers. It cuts through the richness of cured meats and hard cheeses, making it a fantastic companion for a charcuterie or cheese board. Simple snacks like olives and nuts also complement its complex flavors perfectly.
  • Charcuterie board with prosciutto and salami
  • Hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar
  • Marinated olives
  • Salted roasted nuts

The Pen Pal: A Modern Classic with a Bittersweet Twist

The Pen Pal is a modern classic cocktail from bartender Sam Ross that stands as a testament to simple, elegant variations. By swapping Campari for Aperol in the classic Old Pal recipe, it achieves a softer, more approachable bittersweet profile that perfectly complements the spice of rye whiskey. It's a sophisticated, aromatic, and beautifully balanced stirred drink, ideal as an aperitif or for any occasion that calls for a refined sipper. Served up in a chilled coupe with a lemon twist, the Pen Pal is a true delight.

Similar Cocktails

Old Pal

The direct inspiration; uses Campari instead of Aperol, resulting in a more bitter and intense profile.

Boulevardier

Uses bourbon or rye, but with sweet vermouth and Campari, making it richer and sweeter.

Negroni

A classic precursor; uses gin as the base spirit along with Campari and sweet vermouth.

Lucien Gaudin

Features gin, Campari, Cointreau, and dry vermouth for a more complex, citrus-forward bitterness.

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