Cocktail Fun

Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky cocktail image
Hanky Panky

Description

The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It was created by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London, in the 1910s. She crafted this drink for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who, after tasting it, exclaimed, By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky! giving the cocktail its name.

This drink is a perfect balance of herbal bitterness and smooth sweetness, combining gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca, a bold Italian amaro. The result is a complex, slightly bitter, and aromatic cocktail, making it a favourite among classic cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients

  • 45 ml London Dry Gin
  • 45 ml Sweet Vermouth
  • 8 ml Fernet-Branca
  • 1 piece Orange Twist (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
  3. Stir until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe.
  4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Recommended glassware

Coupe Glass
Coupe Glass (recommended)

An elegant stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails served up.

120–240 ml Stemmed glass with a broad shallow bowl.

Best for: Daiquiri, Sidecar, Manhattan served up, Gimlet, Clover Club.

Garnish: Great for expressed citrus peels, cherries, and small edible flowers.

Quick facts

5 mins Easy Approx. 25% ABV 2 units 175 kcal Ice Batch friendly
Love this recipe? Share it with a friend or save it for later.