Hanky Panky: Surprisingly Sophisticated Gin Cocktail
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Hanky Panky is a term with multiple meanings. It can be used to describe behavior that’s naughty, mischievous or even shady.
However, cocktail connoisseurs know that the best use of Hanky Panky has nothing to do with nefarious activities. They know that the Hanky Panky cocktail is a sophisticated cocktail that creates joy with each and every sip.
What Is the Hanky Panky Cocktail?
Despite its somewhat silly name, the Hanky Panky cocktail is a serious cocktail that’s crafted with dry gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca.
Gin and sweet vermouth are the Hanky Panky’s dominant ingredients, each equally added in a 1:1 ratio. However, two dashes of Fernet-Branca elevate the classic cocktail to extraordinary status.
Warning
The Hanky Panky recipe has no mixers to dilute its potency. Accordingly, imbibe this cocktail with caution instead of abandon.
History of the Hanky Panky Cocktail
Predating the Hanky Panky song (not to be confused with the Hokey Pokey song) by decades, the Hanky Panky debuted more than a century ago at the American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel. Ada Coleman concocted the Hanky Panky recipe during her tenure as the American Bar’s head bartender from 1903 to 1923.
Fun Fact
The Hanky Panky isn’t the only cocktail created at the Savoy. The White Lady may have also been created here.
So we know who created the Hanky Panky cocktail. We also know that it dates back to the early 20th century, prior to Prohibition. But we’re not sure of the exact year of its creation. Regardless of the year, the trailblazing female bartender was way ahead of her time when she crafted the first Hanky Panky and served it to actor Sir Charles Hawtrey.
Fun Fact
Legend has it that the Hanky Panky got its name when Hawtrey took a sip and exclaimed that Coleman’s sophisticated gin cocktail was the “real hanky panky.”
Harry Craddock took over the bar’s reins in 1925 and later achieved cocktail fame for penning The Savoy Cocktail Book. Not surprisingly, the Hanky Panky is prominently featured in Craddock’s iconic book.
Ingredients
You probably already have most of the following ingredients required to craft a Hanky Panky cocktail:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a Hanky Panky Cocktail
The first step is to measure the gin and sweet vermouth and pour each directly into a mixing glass. We use a Japanese jigger to ensure accurate measurements and make clean pours. Another option is to use a small angled measuring cup.
The next step is to add two dashes of Fernet-Branca. We used a mini angled measuring cup for this step.
Add ice and stir with a bar spoon until the gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca are combined and chilled. This step should take about 20 seconds.
The final step is to strain the cocktail into a martini or coupe glass.
Don’t forget to garnish your cocktail with an orange twist!
Variations
There’s only one way to find out if the Hanky Panky cocktail tickles your tongue. If so, great. If not, you may prefer one of the following variations:
Discover 10 essential bar tools for the home mixologist.
Hanky Panky Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces gin (dry)
- 1½ ounces vermouth (sweet)
- 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
- 1 orange peel (garnish)
- ice cubes (for mixing)
Equipment
Instructions
- Combine dry gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca in a mixing glass.
- Add several ice cubes and stir for 20 seconds or until the liquids are mixed and chilled.
- Strain into a small martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Notes
- You can use a small martini glass instead of a coupe glass.
Nutrition
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail crafted with dry gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca.
The Hanky Panky cocktail was invented at the American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel.
Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Fernet-Branca, Ice Cubes (for stirring) and Orange Peel (garnish)
The Hanky Panky cocktail is stirred, not shaken.
We like to serve this cocktail in a small martini glass, but you could use a coupe glass instead.
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