History & Heritage
“The Oaxacan Hanky Panky is a modern creation born from the 21st-century craft cocktail renaissance. While the exact creator is unknown, it emerged organically as bartenders began experimenting with mezcal in classic cocktail templates. This variation takes Ada Coleman's famous Hanky Panky and substitutes the gin with smoky mezcal, creating a more complex and challenging drink that showcases the terroir-driven character of Oaxacan spirits.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass for at least 15 minutes
Combine mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca in a mixing glass
Fill with high-quality, solid ice cubes
Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and frosted
Strain into the chilled glass
Express oils from orange peel over the surface, rub rim, and drop in
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
Express oils over surface, rub rim, and drop in
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a quality Espadín mezcal for balanced smoke
Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth pairs beautifully
The full quarter-ounce of Fernet-Branca is crucial for balance
Pre-chill both mixing and serving glasses for best results
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Oaxacan Hanky Panky.
Smoky and Dry
2 parts mezcal to 1 part sweet vermouth for a more spirit-forward version.
Changes
Extra Bitter
Increases Fernet-Branca to 1/3 oz for intense complexity.
Changes
Spicy Hanky Panky
Uses chili-infused sweet vermouth for subtle smoky heat.
Changes
Tequila Hanky Panky
Substitutes mezcal with reposado tequila for a smoother profile.
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.
Hanky Panky
Ada Coleman's famous Savoy creation blending gin, sweet vermouth, and a hint of Fernet-Branca.
Mezcal Boulevardier
A modern classic, a smoky and complex variation of the Prohibition-era Boulevardier that swaps bourbon for mezcal.