History & Heritage
“Savoy head bartender Ada "Coley" Coleman crafted the Hanky Panky circa 1910 for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who upon tasting declared it "the real hanky-panky." Her equal-parts mix of gin and sweet vermouth, sharpened with Fernet-Branca, became one of the era's most enduring Savoy originals.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
Stir until well chilled
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Garnish with an orange twist
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe
Garnish
Express oils and place on rim
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
A little Fernet goes a long way
Use fresh sweet vermouth for best flavor
Express the orange twist over the surface before garnishing
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Hanky Panky.
Perfect Hanky Panky
Splits the vermouth between sweet and dry for a leaner finish.
Changes
Bittered Hanky Panky
Adds orange bitters for heightened spice and aroma.
Changes
Oaxacan Hanky Panky
Replaces half the gin with smoky mezcal.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bittered Hanky Panky
A bold evolution of the classic Hanky Panky with increased Fernet-Branca—gin, sweet vermouth, and pronounced herbal bitterness for adventurous palates.
Negroni
A perfectly symmetrical mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth that defined the bitter-sweet aperitivo and spawned a family of riffs.
Oaxacan Hanky Panky
A modern classic that reimagines the early 20th-century Hanky Panky by substituting gin with smoky mezcal, creating a sophisticated and complex drinking experience.