Hanky Panky Cocktail recipe
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You’ll find the Hanky Panky sits firmly in the pre-dinner, spirit-forward tradition: a gin-and-vermouth cocktail given extra intrigue with a bitter herbal accent. It’s widely associated with London’s Savoy Hotel in the early 20th century, where bartender Ada “Coley” Coleman is credited with creating it for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who reportedly declared it “the real hanky-panky” after tasting it. That little moment of theatre helps explain the drink’s enduring reputation as a suave, grown-up classic.
On the palate, gin’s crisp botanicals meet the winey sweetness of red vermouth, creating a smooth, aromatic base that feels both dry and rounded. A couple of dashes of amaro deepen the mix with concentrated bitterness and dark herbal notes, tightening the finish and adding a lingering, bittersweet edge that keeps the vermouth from feeling too plush.
Serve it cold in a cocktail glass when you want something elegant and bracing without being austere. It suits martini and Manhattan drinkers who enjoy a touch of bitterness, and it shines as an aperitif before dinner or as a refined first drink at a dressed-up evening gathering.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Gin and red vermouth share the spotlight, with the gin’s crisp bite riding over the vermouth’s dark, winey sweetness while two dashes of amaro add a sharp, bitter-herbal snap that lingers on the finish. The equal parts structure keeps it balanced and bracing, and the amaro’s bitterness reins in the vermouth, making it ideal for fans of spirit-forward, pre-dinner drinks.
Method
How to make a Hanky Panky
- Gin 45ml, Amaro 2 dashes, Red vermouth 45ml
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- Stir ingredients well in a mixing glass with ice and strain into a chilled glass
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- Twist a small swath of orange peel over the surface of the drink to express the oils then drop the peel in to garnish
Power tips
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Find out more- Try using a high-quality, aged gin to introduce more depth and character into the Hanky Panky, allowing the subtler botanicals to interplay with the vermouth.
- Experiment with different amaros like Cynar or Fernet-Branca for a unique depth of bitterness, adding layers to the drink’s flavor complexity.
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FAQ's
Who created the Hanky Panky cocktail and what is its history?
The Hanky Panky cocktail was created by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar in London in the early 20th century. It was invented for the famous actor Sir Charles Hawtrey. After trying the drink, Hawtrey exclaimed, 'By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!' and the cocktail was thus named.
What type of Amaro is traditionally used in a Hanky Panky cocktail?
The traditional Amaro used in a Hanky Panky cocktail is Fernet-Branca. This Italian Amaro adds a distinctive, bitter edge to the cocktail, balancing the sweetness of the red vermouth.
Why is the Hanky Panky cocktail stirred and not shaken?
The Hanky Panky cocktail is stirred and not shaken to maintain the clarity and smooth texture of the drink. Stirring gently combines the ingredients without introducing too much air, resulting in a more refined and visually appealing cocktail.
What is the best way to serve a Hanky Panky cocktail?
The best way to serve a Hanky Panky cocktail is in a chilled cocktail glass. Optionally, you can garnish it with a twist of orange peel to enhance the aromatic experience. This method of serving highlights the drink's elegance and complex flavors.
How can the Hanky Panky cocktail be customized for a modern twist?
To give a modern twist to the Hanky Panky cocktail, consider experimenting with different types of gin, such as a contemporary botanical gin, or using a different Amaro to adjust the bitterness. Additionally, a splash of an orange liqueur or a different citrus peel as garnish can add a new dimension to the drink.
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