Cocktail Friday: Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky

This delightfully named cocktail is a new one for me, recently introduced by my friend (and accomplished mixologist) Chuck Taggart.

The Hanky Panky was invented by Ada Coleman, a bartender at the Savoy in London for her friend, Edwardian actor Charles Hawtrey. According to legend (and wikipedia), Hawtrey himself named the drink when he tasted it for the first time and exclaimed “By Jove! That is the real hanky panky!”

I’ve no reason not to believe this story, and it really is a fabulous drink. There’s a lot of flavor in this drink. Fernet Branca is an Italian amaro often drunk as a after-dinner digestive. You have to be careful when using it as a cocktail ingredient–it is very bitter and can easily overpower a cocktail. Here, though the dashes of Fernet Branca add a nice complexity to the finish so you’re not in any danger.

The Hanky Panky

  • 1 3/4 oz gin
  • 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2-3 dashes Fernet Branca

Combine all ingredients in an iced glass and stir. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a swath of orange peel.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try more with Fernet Branca, check out my entry for Mixology Mondays here.