Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky is a true classic cocktail with a fascinating history, originating from the legendary American Bar at London's Savoy Hotel in the early 20th century. Created by Ada 'Coley' Coleman, one of history's most famous female bartenders, for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey who exclaimed 'By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!' upon tasting it. This sophisticated drink balances the botanicals of gin with the richness of sweet vermouth, punctuated by the distinctively bitter, herbal complexity of Fernet-Branca. It's a stirred cocktail, typically served straight up in a chilled coupe or martini glass, offering a bold and intriguing flavour profile beloved by connoisseurs of classic drinks.
Ingredients
- 4.5 cl gin
- 4.5 cl Martini Rosso
- 0.75 cl fernet
- 1 piece orange peel
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your Coupe glass thoroughly by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Fill a mixing glass (or the base of a shaker) with ice cubes.
Add the Gin, Sweet Vermouth, and Fernet-Branca to the ice-filled mixing glass.
Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring it's perfectly chilled but not overly diluted.
Discard the ice from your chilled Coupe glass.
Strain the cocktail through a strainer into the prepared Coupe glass.
Take the orange peel, twist it over the drink's surface to express its fragrant oils, and then drop it into the glass or place it on the rim as garnish.
Trivia
- What is a Hanky Panky cocktail?
The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail made primarily with gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. It was invented by Ada Coleman at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar in London in the early 1900s and is known for its unique, slightly bitter, and herbal flavour profile.
- What does a Hanky Panky taste like?
A Hanky Panky offers a complex flavour profile. You'll taste the botanicals of the gin, the sweet, slightly spiced notes of the vermouth, and the distinctive, assertive bitterness and herbal complexity (think mint, licorice, and spice) from the Fernet-Branca. The orange peel garnish adds a bright citrus aroma.
- Who invented the Hanky Panky cocktail?
The Hanky Panky was created by Ada 'Coley' Coleman, a renowned bartender at the American Bar in London's Savoy Hotel, during the early 20th century. She reportedly created it for the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey.
- What is Fernet-Branca?
Fernet-Branca is a type of Italian amaro (bitter liqueur) known for its intensely bitter, complex, and aromatic flavour profile. It's made from a secret recipe of numerous herbs and spices, including myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, and saffron, aged in oak barrels.
- Should a Hanky Panky be shaken or stirred?
A Hanky Panky is traditionally a stirred cocktail. Stirring chills the drink effectively while maintaining its clarity and smooth texture, which is preferable for cocktails composed entirely of spirits and liqueurs like this one. Shaking would introduce air bubbles and potentially over-dilute it.
- Can I substitute Fernet-Branca in a Hanky Panky?
While Fernet-Branca gives the Hanky Panky its signature taste, you could experiment with other bitter fernets or complex amari if you don't have it. However, the flavour profile will change significantly, resulting in a different drink rather than a true Hanky Panky.
- What type of Gin is best for a Hanky Panky?
A classic London Dry Gin works exceptionally well in a Hanky Panky. Its juniper-forward profile provides a solid backbone that stands up to the strong flavours of the sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca. Choose a quality gin you enjoy.