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Hanky Panky

Created by Ada Coleman at the Savoy. Gin, sweet vermouth, and a hint of Fernet-Branca.

The Hanky Panky starts as equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, then takes just enough Fernet-Branca to push it into bitter, minty territory. Measure the Fernet carefully; a little goes a long way, and two dashes is already plenty. Stir until very cold and strain into a chilled coupe, where the orange twist lifts the herbs.

Prep
5 min
Serves
1
Difficulty
Medium

Hanky Panky

Prep 5 min · Serves 1 · Difficulty Medium

Method

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

  2. Pour gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.

  3. Stir well until chilled.

  4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.

  5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Where it comes from

Ada Coleman created it at the Savoy in London for the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who asked for something with a bit of punch in it; she told the story in 1925. The Italian thread is the Fernet-Branca, made in Milan since 1845 and usually drunk there neat, after dinner.

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