The Hanky Panky cocktail brings a touch of elegance and mystery to your glass. This distinctive drink combines gin and sweet vermouth, finished with just a dash of Fernet, an herbal liqueur that makes it truly unforgettable. The drink delivers a beautifully balanced flavor with a subtle herbal edge, making it perfect for anyone who loves the sophisticated taste of classic, old-school cocktails. Its playful name suits its character perfectly.
Story
The Hanky Panky cocktail first appeared in the 1910s and has strong roots in London’s legendary Savoy Hotel. It was created by Ada Coleman, known as “Coley,” the hotel’s celebrated female bartender. Ada originally created the drink for the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who asked her for something “punchy” after a long day. Ada took the familiar pairing of gin and sweet vermouth and elevated it with a touch of Fernet, giving the cocktail an entirely new depth. When Hawtrey tasted it, he famously exclaimed, “This is real hanky panky!”—and the name was born. The drink quickly became a classic and remains one of the world’s most iconic gin-based cocktails today.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) gin (preferably London Dry gin)
1 ½ oz (45 ml) sweet vermouth
2 drops Fernet herbal liqueur (e.g., Fernet Branca)
How to Make a Hanky Panky Cocktail
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes, then pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet. Stir well to properly chill and blend the ingredients. Next, strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. This cocktail’s charm lies in its simplicity, so be sure to use quality ingredients for the best result.
Serving and Garnish
The Hanky Panky cocktail is traditionally served in a classic cocktail glass. For garnish, add a twist of orange peel, gently expressed over the drink to release its fragrant essential oils.
Calorie Content
One serving of a Hanky Panky cocktail contains approximately 160–170 calories, coming mainly from the alcohol and sugar content of the gin and sweet vermouth.