Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:6g
Alcohol percent:25%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Hanky Panky cocktail was created in the early 20th century by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the American Bar in London's Savoy Hotel. She crafted this cocktail for the famous actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who was looking for something new and exciting to drink. Upon tasting it, Hawtrey exclaimed, 'By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!' And so, the name stuck.
The Hanky Panky cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. The Fernet-Branca adds a bitter, herbal edge that lingers on the palate.
A few good options for Hanky Panky are:
Gin brings a botanical bouquet to the party—think juniper, coriander, and citrus. It's the soul of the Hanky Panky! Too much gin, and the drink becomes a botanical bash, overpowering the affair. Too little, and the cocktail loses its backbone, becoming a wallflower that's too shy on flavor. Without gin? That's a different shindig altogether—more somber and not as perky.
Vermouth adds a seductive sweetness and spice that complements the gin. It’s the yin to gin’s yang. Strike a balance; otherwise, the drink could tip into being cloying or, without enough, taste like gin with a dash of something forgettable. Without vermouth, the Hanky Panky is like a dance floor without music—sure, you can still dance, but where’s the fun?
Imagine Fernet-Branca as the mysterious guest adding intrigue with its bitter, minty touch. Just a couple of dashes lend a complexity that makes you raise an eyebrow and nod approvingly. Omit it, and the magic is lost—like a book with the last page missing. No Fernet-Branca, no Hanky Panky—it’s a non-negotiable invitee.
The orange twist is the finishing flourish, the final bow after a stellar performance. Its citrus oils caress the nose and the rim, promising a zesty zing. Forget it, and the drink's presence is less pronounced, the olfactory opulence absent. The twist is not just a garnish; it’s the zesty zephyr that ties it all together.
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Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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The name 'Hanky Panky' supposedly came from the reaction of actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who Ada Coleman created this cocktail for. After tasting it, Hawtrey exclaimed, 'By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!' And so, the name stuck.
The Hanky Panky cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass, which helps maintain the temperature and enhances the overall presentation.
Yes, the Hanky Panky cocktail is suitable for vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products in its ingredients.
Fernet-Branca is a type of Italian amaro, a bitter, aromatic spirit. It is made from a combination of herbs and spices which varies according to the brand, but may include myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, aloe, and saffron.
There isn't a standard non-alcoholic version of the Hanky Panky cocktail, but you can substitute the gin and vermouth with non-alcoholic alternatives and skip the Fernet-Branca for a similar taste profile.
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