The Hanky Panky is a true classic cocktail with an amazing history, created by Ada Coleman, the first and only female head bartender at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in London. "Coley," as she was known, created the drink for the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey in the 1920s. After tasting the final cocktail, Hawtrey allegedly exclaimed, "By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!" A cousin to the Bijou due to its combination of gin and sweet vermouth, it is spirit-forward and bittersweet, thanks to the deep, medicinal bitterness of the Italian amaro Fernet Branca.
Hanky Panky Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1/2 tsp Fernet Branca
How to Make a Hanky Panky
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet Branca.
- Stir well for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with a large, expressed orange peel twist.
The key to the Hanky Panky is using only a small amount of Fernet Branca—just enough to add a layer of complex bitterness without overwhelming the drink. This cocktail is traditionally stirred, never shaken, to maintain its smooth, spirit-forward texture.
Hanky Panky Riff
For a slightly drier and more contemporary taste, use 2 oz of gin and 1 oz of sweet vermouth, keeping the 1/2 tsp of Fernet Branca constant. If Fernet Branca is too bitter for your taste, try a milder and sweeter amaro.
