The Hanky Panky: An Iconic Gin Cocktail with a Storied Past
Minimalist mix yields a bold, bittersweet sip rooted in century-old bartending.
The Hanky Panky cocktail stands among the most enduring classic drinks, beloved for its intriguing blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. With roots dating back to the early twentieth century and connections to legendary bartenders and barrooms, this cocktail delivers a flavor that’s both timeless and distinctive. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Hanky Panky offers a fascinating taste of cocktail history and contemporary appeal.
Origins of the Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky’s origin is steeped in the golden age of cocktails. Its creation is credited to Ada “Coley” Coleman, a pioneering female bartender who helmed the bar at London’s famed Savoy Hotel during the early 1900s. Coleman’s innovation lay in the addition of Fernet-Branca—a powerfully herbal Italian amaro—transforming what was essentially a sweet martini or Martinez into something unexpected. Legend has it that actor Sir Charles Hawtrey tasted the new concoction and exclaimed, “By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!”, giving the drink its memorable name.
What Makes the Hanky Panky Unique?
- Herbaceous boldness: The small measure of Fernet-Branca injects an aromatic, bittersweet punch that distinguishes the Hanky Panky from other drinks in the martini family.
- Classic balance: Gin and sweet vermouth provide floral, botanical, and gently sweet notes, while the Fernet tempers the sweetness with complexity and a lingering dry finish.
- Minimalist composition: With only three main ingredients and a twist of orange peel, the Hanky Panky is remarkable for its simplicity and depth.
- Historical legacy: Included in The Savoy Cocktail Book, the recipe has inspired countless bartenders and cocktail lovers for over a century.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Role in Cocktail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London Dry Gin | Base spirit, brings botanical notes and crispness | Look for a quality dry gin with classic juniper character |
| Sweet Red Vermouth | Adds sweetness, red fruit, and herbal undertones | Choose a fresh, well-balanced vermouth |
| Fernet-Branca | Provides an herbaceous, bitter edge; the cocktail’s signature | A very small amount is potent—just a bar spoon or a few dashes |
| Orange Zest | Garnish; lifts aromatics and adds citrus oils | Use a fresh orange and avoid pith for clean flavors |
Optional: Some bartenders add a dash of orange bitters for enhanced citrus character, but it is not in the original recipe.
Step-by-Step: Mixing the Perfect Hanky Panky
- Prepare the glass: Chill a coupe or cocktail glass by filling with ice water and setting aside.
- Build the cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine:
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) London dry gin
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes (or about 7.5 ml) Fernet-Branca
- (Optional) 1 dash orange bitters
- Add ice: Fill the mixing glass at least two-thirds full with ice. Stir briskly until well chilled (about 15–20 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice water from your chilled glass. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Express the oils from a wide strip of orange zest over the drink and drop it into the glass.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality vermouth—refrigerate after opening and use within a month for best flavor.
- Don’t overdo the Fernet-Branca; too much quickly overwhelms other flavors.
- Stir, don’t shake. Stirring yields a smooth, clear drink and integrates the bitter and sweet components.
- For a slightly fruitier and brighter version, a few drops of fine-strained fresh orange juice can be added, though this is a modern twist, not original.
Understanding the Flavors: What Does a Hanky Panky Taste Like?
The Hanky Panky is a study in balance and sophistication:
- Initial impression: Smooth, warming botanicals from the gin and the gentle richness of sweet vermouth.
- Mid-palate: Notes of red fruit, subtle caramel, and warming spices from the vermouth emerge.
- Finish: The Fernet-Branca rises, bringing a complex wave of herbal bitterness—mint, myrrh, and menthol, with a distinctive dry aftertaste.
- Aromatics: The orange peel garnish boosts citrusy top notes and complements the gin’s botanicals.
The result is a drink that’s both refreshing and contemplative, ideal for both aperitivo and contemplative sipping.
History and Place in Cocktail Culture
The Hanky Panky’s place in cocktail lore is secure, not merely for its flavor, but also for its pioneering backstory. Ada Coleman, one of the few prominent female bartenders of her era, ran the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel. The addition of Fernet-Branca—a bitter Italian digestif little known in Britain at the time—was considered bold and innovative. The drink’s popularity grew, and its recipe was immortalized in Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
What others are reading
- Connection to other classics: The Hanky Panky is closely related to the Martinez and the Negroni, but the Fernet lifts it into its own category.
- Pre-Prohibition roots: The cocktail exemplifies the era’s penchant for robust, aromatic, and spirit-forward drinks.
- Global appeal: Today, the Hanky Panky is recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) as an official classic and features on menus around the world.
When to Serve a Hanky Panky
- Cocktail hour: The robust bittersweet profile makes it an excellent aperitif to awaken the palate.
- After dinner: The herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca aids digestion, making the Hanky Panky suitable as a digestif.
- Special gatherings: With its striking red color and elegant garnish, the Hanky Panky is a festive, celebratory drink for holidays and dinner parties.
Related and Variant Cocktails
- Negroni: Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari—another bittersweet gin classic.
- Martinez: Often considered the precursor to the modern martini, made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters.
- Bee’s Knees: Gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice—lighter, brighter, and honeyed.
- Jasmine Cocktail: Gin, Campari, orange liqueur, and lemon juice for a pink-hued, citrusy experience.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~68 kcal | ~9 g | ~1 g | ~1 g | ~1 g | ~6 mg |
Note: Nutrition figures are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredient brands and measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who invented the Hanky Panky cocktail?
The drink was created by Ada “Coley” Coleman, head bartender at London’s Savoy Hotel in the early 1900s.
What is Fernet-Branca, and why is it special?
Fernet-Branca is a strongly bitter, aromatic Italian amaro with flavors of mint, myrrh, saffron, and various herbs. It adds depth and complexity that make the Hanky Panky more than just another martini variation.
Can I use other bitters instead of Fernet-Branca?
No other amaro or bitter produces quite the same result; Fernet-Branca’s unique profile is essential. However, small amounts can be substituted with another Fernet-style amaro in a pinch, but flavor will differ.
How do I choose the best vermouth for this recipe?
Use a high-quality sweet vermouth that is especially fresh. Good options include Cocchi di Torino, Carpano Antica, Dolin Rouge, or Punt e Mes.
Should the cocktail be shaken or stirred?
The Hanky Panky should always be stirred with ice for clarity and texture, never shaken.
Is this a strong cocktail?
Yes, the Hanky Panky is spirit-forward and contains mostly alcoholic ingredients. Enjoy responsibly and savor slowly.
Summary: Why the Hanky Panky Endures
The Hanky Panky remains a cherished classic: a symbol of pre-Prohibition innovation and bartender ingenuity. With its seamless marriage of botanical gin, lush vermouth, and bracing Fernet-Branca, it delivers a complex yet approachable drinking experience suitable for nearly any occasion. Mastering this drink connects the present to a rich cocktail heritage, ensuring the Hanky Panky continues to enchant drinkers for generations to come.
References
- https://finefoodsblog.com/hanky-panky-cocktail/
- https://iba-world.com/iba-cocktail/hanky-panky/
- https://www.davidlebovitz.com/the-hanky-panky-cocktail-recipe/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanky_panky_(cocktail)
- https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/930/hanky-panky-cocktail
- https://imbibemagazine.com/recipe/hanky-panky-cocktail/
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