The Classic: Sip The Perfect Hanky Panky Cocktail!
The beloved Hanky Panky cocktail was created in the early 1900s by mixologist Ada Coleman at the famous American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel. It quickly became a favorite of celebrity customers such as Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill, who declared it “the most delicious drink ever”. Today, this classic gin-and-vermouth concoction is still enjoyed around the world.
What makes a great Hanky Panky? In addition to equal parts of dry vermouth and gin, you’ll also need Fernet Branca – an Italian amaro (bitter liqueur). This combination creates an intriguing blend of herbal flavors that make up the unique taste profile. It’s important to use quality ingredients for best results; a good London Dry Gin is key – try Beefeater or Tanqueray.
Once your ingredients are assembled, start by chilling your martini glass with some ice cubes and cold water. Then pour in 1 ounce each of dry vermouth and gin into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Add two dashes of Fernet Branca then stir until chilled – about 30 seconds should do it! Finally strain into your prepared martini glass and garnish with an orange twist before serving.
Hanky Panky
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces 45 ml London dry gin
- 1 1/2 ounces 45 ml Italian sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Fernet Branca liqueur
Instructions
- Directions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add the gin, vermouth and Fernet Branca to the glass. Stir for 30 seconds or until chilled.
- Strain into a coupette or martini glass, and garnish with an orange twist if desired.
Glassware
For the perfect Hanky Panky Cocktail, you would typically use a martini glass. The martini glass is shaped like an inverted cone with a stem and has become the iconic vessel for many classic cocktails. It can hold up to 6 ounces of liquid, which is enough for this cocktail that calls for two ounces each of gin and sweet vermouth as well as one teaspoon of Fernet Branca. This combination creates a savory and refreshing sip that is perfect for any occasion! Be sure to garnish your Hanky Panky with an orange twist to enhance its flavor even further.Flavors
The Hanky Panky cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that has been around since the early 1900s. It is comprised of equal parts of London dry gin, Italian sweet vermouth and Fernet Branca, an Italian amaro. The flavor profile of this unique combination brings together floral notes from the gin with the sweetness from the vermouth and herbal notes from Fernet Branca. This creates a well-balanced mix that is both smooth and soothing while being surprisingly complex in flavor. All three ingredients bring their own distinctive tastes to create a truly memorable drinking experience. The drink also offers subtle hints of cinnamon, licorice and other spices as it warms up on your palate for an added depth of flavor.3 tips for Making Your Hanky Panky
- Make sure to choose a quality gin, as it will be the main flavor of your drink. Look for bottles from reputable brands and pay attention to their ingredients and ABV ratings.
- Use fresh vermouth — not the kind that has been sitting in your fridge for month.