Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky is a spirit-forward classic cocktail known for its unique and complex flavor profile. It expertly balances the botanical notes of gin with the richness of sweet vermouth, all brought together by the distinctive minty and herbaceous bitterness of Fernet-Branca. This drink is stirred, not shaken, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture that is both elegant and assertive. It's a perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced, aromatic, and slightly bitter cocktail.
Hanky Panky

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Hanky Panky is classified as a classic cocktail. It's often considered a pre-dinner drink or an aperitif due to its spirit-forward and herbaceous nature, falling into the category of stirred gin cocktails.

Serving

Served straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a relatively small but potent cold cocktail with a significant alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Nick & Nora
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The Hanky Panky was created by Ada "Coley" Coleman, the head bartender at the American Bar in London's Savoy Hotel in the early 1900s. She invented it for the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who requested "something with a bit of a punch in it." After tasting it, he exclaimed, "By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!" and the name stuck.
Origin
London, England, circa 1920s. Created at the American Bar in the Savoy Hotel.

Hanky Panky

The drink is consistently known by its original name, Hanky Panky, sometimes appended with "Cocktail." The name itself is a quirky British slang term for flirtatious or mischievous behavior, fitting for its intriguing flavor profile.
Original name
Hanky Panky
Alternative name
Hanky Panky Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Hanky Panky offers a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with a strong herbal aroma from the gin and Fernet-Branca. Its silky, smooth texture leads to a long, clean, and pleasantly bitter aftertaste.
Flavor
Herbal, bittersweet, botanical, complex, slightly medicinal, juniper, orange
Aroma
Aromatic, herbaceous, juniper, menthol, spices
Taste balance
Bittersweet, balanced
Aftertaste
Long, bitter, herbal, clean
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Deep amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, viscous
Seasonality
All-season, sophisticated, bold

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely bittersweet and herbal, with a noticeable alcohol strength and no carbonation. Its complexity comes from the interplay of botanicals, sweetness from the vermouth, and a pronounced bitter finish.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The Hanky Panky requires just three key ingredients: London Dry Gin, high-quality sweet vermouth, and the indispensable Italian amaro, Fernet-Branca.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic London Dry style works best to cut through the other ingredients.
  • Sweet Vermouth45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A high-quality Italian sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino is recommended.
  • Fernet-Branca7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    This specific amaro is essential for the drink's signature flavor; do not substitute. Some recipes use as little as two dashes.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for mixing, none in the serving glass.

Mixing equipments

You'll need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass, a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients with ice.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
  • Hawthorne or Julep strainer to strain the drink.

Instructions

Preparation is straightforward: chill a glass, stir all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into the chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist.
1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or Nick & Nora) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice.
4. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled serving glass.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then drop the peel into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple but essential orange twist is the traditional garnish, with its citrus oils complementing the cocktail's complex aromas.
  • Orange peel or twist to express oils over the drink and place in the glass.

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic beverage that is typically free from caffeine, dairy, egg, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is generally considered suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderate-calorie cocktail with its energy primarily coming from alcohol. It contains a small amount of carbohydrates and sugar from the sweet vermouth.
Calories
Averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 6-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 6-8 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for sophisticated occasions like a cocktail party or as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate. Its complex character also makes it an excellent nightcap for quiet contemplation.
  • Cocktail party
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Nightcap
  • Sophisticated gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Hanky Panky's bittersweet and herbal profile pairs wonderfully with salty and savory foods. It's an excellent companion for a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and aged cheeses, as well as salty olives or even a piece of rich dark chocolate.
  • Cured meats and charcuterie
  • Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan
  • Olives and other salty snacks
  • Dark chocolate

The Hanky Panky: A Punch of Sophistication from the Savoy

The Hanky Panky is a classic, spirit-forward cocktail with a rich history, invented by the legendary Ada Coleman at London's Savoy Hotel. It's a sophisticated blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and a touch of the powerfully bitter and herbaceous Fernet-Branca. Stirred to perfection and served in a chilled coupe glass, it offers a complex, bittersweet flavor experience that is both bold and beautifully balanced. This drink is a testament to the art of simple, well-chosen ingredients creating something truly memorable.

Similar cocktails

Negroni

Shares gin and sweet vermouth but uses Campari instead of Fernet-Branca, resulting in a different bitter profile (more orange-forward).

Martinez

Uses Old Tom Gin and Maraschino liqueur with sweet vermouth, resulting in a sweeter, less bitter profile.

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