Hanky panky (cocktail)

Hanky Panky (cocktail)

The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail that was first created in the early 20th century. It is a blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca, a bitter, aromatic spirit. The cocktail is typically garnished with an orange peel for added flavor and visual appeal.

History

The Hanky Panky was invented by Ada Coleman, a pioneering female bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London. Coleman created the cocktail for a regular patron, actor Sir Charles Hawtrey. Upon tasting the drink, Hawtrey reportedly exclaimed, "By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!" The name stuck, and the cocktail has been known as the Hanky Panky ever since.

Preparation

To prepare a Hanky Panky, the bartender combines 1.5 ounces of gin, 1.5 ounces of sweet vermouth, and two dashes of Fernet-Branca in a mixing glass filled with ice. The ingredients are stirred until well chilled, then strained into a chilled cocktail glass. The drink is garnished with a twist of orange peel.

Variations

There are several variations of the Hanky Panky, including the Reverse Hanky Panky, which swaps the proportions of gin and vermouth, and the Hanky Panky Martini, which adds a dash of dry vermouth to the mix.

See also

• List of cocktails
• History of cocktails
• Fernet-Branca
• Savoy Hotel