Hanky Panky Recipe and Instructions - MyBartender (2024)

The Hanky Panky is a simple yet sophisticated gin-based co*cktail that has stood the test of time. Despite its simplicity, the Hanky Panky remains a popular choice among co*cktail enthusiasts to this day.

If you’re curious about trying the Hanky Panky for yourself, you can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients. While the original recipe calls for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, some modern variations use a higher proportion of gin to balance out the bitterness of the Fernet-Branca. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or a modern twist, the Hanky Panky is a timeless co*cktail that’s sure to impress.

History

The Hanky Panky co*cktail has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. It was created by Ada “Coley” Coleman, who was the head bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar in London. Coleman was known for her creativity and enjoyed experimenting with new drinks. According to legend, the co*cktail was created for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who was a regular at the bar and requested a drink with a bit of punch in it.

The original recipe for the Hanky Panky co*cktail called for equal parts dry gin and Italian vermouth, along with a few dashes of Fernet Branca, an Italian amaro. The co*cktail was then stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The addition of Fernet Branca gave the co*cktail a unique flavor profile that quickly became popular among patrons of The Savoy’s American Bar.

The Hanky Panky co*cktail was featured in The Savoy co*cktail Book, which was written by Harry Craddock and published in 1930. The book was a collection of recipes from The Savoy’s American Bar and quickly became a hit among co*cktail enthusiasts. It included recipes for classic co*cktails such as the Martinez and the Punch, as well as original creations like the Hanky Panky.

The Hanky Panky co*cktail gained popularity not only in London but also in other parts of the world. It was even mentioned in London newspapers, which helped to spread its fame. The co*cktail was also enjoyed by notable figures such as Mark Twain and the Prince of Wales.

How to Make It

Hanky Panky

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Making a Hanky Panky co*cktail is a straightforward process that requires a few essential ingredients and tools. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces of American gin
• 1 1/2 ounces of sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca
• 1 dash of orange juice
• Orange peel, for garnish

Tools

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• co*cktail glass

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca to the mixing glass.
3. Stir the ingredients in the mixing glass for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the co*cktail.
4. Strain the co*cktail into a chilled co*cktail glass.
5. Garnish the co*cktail with an orange peel, expressing the citrus oil over the top of the drink to enhance the aroma.

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See Also

Flaxseed Pancakes (Vegan + Gluten-Free) - Rhian's Recipes

Variations

The Hanky Panky co*cktail is a classic drink, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with variations to give it your own unique twist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spanish Hanky Panky

Swap out the gin for Spanish brandy and add a dash of orange bitters for a slightly sweeter take on the classic.

Mexican Hanky Panky

Use tequila instead of gin and add a splash of lime juice for a margarita-inspired twist.

Italian Hanky Panky

Substitute Aperol for Fernet-Branca and garnish with an orange slice for a refreshing Italian-inspired co*cktail.

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