Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe

The Hanky Panky cocktail was created in the early 20th century by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the American Bar in London's Savoy Hotel. She crafted this cocktail for the famous actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who was looking for something new and exciting to drink. Upon tasting it, Hawtrey exclaimed, 'By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!' And so, the name stuck.

• Ada Coleman was one of the first female bartenders in London
• The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel is known for its innovative cocktails and famous clientele
• The Hanky Panky is a classic pre-Prohibition era cocktail

The Hanky Panky cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. The Fernet-Branca adds a bitter, herbal edge that lingers on the palate.

• The Hanky Panky is considered a variation of the classic Martini
• Fernet-Branca, a key ingredient in the Hanky Panky, is a type of Italian amaro, a bitter herbal liqueur
• The cocktail is typically garnished with an orange twist, which adds a bright, citrusy note

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
2. Add 1.5 oz of gin
3. Add 1.5 oz of sweet vermouth
4. Add 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca
5. Stir the mixture until well-chilled
6. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
7. Garnish with an orange twist

• Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer
• Use a high-quality gin for a smoother taste
• Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting it too much

Appetizers & Snacks

• Cheese Plates: The herbal notes of gin and the bitterness of Fernet-Branca balance well with creamy and nutty cheeses, like Brie or Gouda.
• Charcuterie: Salty cured meats contrast nicely with the sweet vermouth.
• Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate could complement the complex bittersweet flavors of the cocktail.

Main Courses

• Grilled Steak: The bold flavors of a grilled steak can stand up to the robust profile of the Hanky Panky.
• Pasta with Rich Sauces: Pasta dishes with meaty or tomato-based sauces will pair nicely due to the herbaceous and bitter components of the drink.

Desserts

• Tiramisu: The coffee and cocoa flavors will resonate with the digestif qualities of Fernet-Branca.

• Bourbon can be used instead of gin for a different flavor profile
• Campari can be substituted for Fernet-Branca if you prefer a less bitter taste
• A lemon twist can be used instead of an orange twist for a more tart garnish

Smokey Hanky Panky

• Ingredients: 1.5oz Smoked Gin, 1.5oz Sweet Vermouth, 2 dashes Fernet-Branca, Orange twist
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe but substitute the gin with smoked gin.
• Flavor: This twist introduces a smoky undertone, offering a bolder, more intense experience—like turning up the volume at the jazz club.

Hanky Panky Tropicale

• Ingredients: 1.5oz Gin infused with tropical fruits, 1.5oz Sweet Vermouth, 2 dashes Fernet-Branca, Pineapple twist
• Recipe: Mix as per original, but infuse the gin with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple, garnish with a pineapple twist.
• Flavor: A fruity escapade, as if the Hanky Panky took a summer holiday. The tropical gin leads a dance of sweet, exotic notes across your taste buds.

Vanilla Hanky Panky

• Ingredients: 1.5oz Vanilla-infused Gin, 1.5oz Sweet Vermouth, 2 dashes Fernet-Branca, Orange twist
• Recipe: Same as the original, but use vanilla-infused gin.
• Flavor: The vanilla gin lends a dessert-like sweetness that whispers of indulgence. It's the the Hanky Panky after dinner mint, if you will.