Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by David Michael
Hanky Panky
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase using our links.
A classic cocktail in the vermouth and spirits family. The Hanky Panky stands apart from others in this family with its use of Fernet Branca. With the rise in popularity of Fernet Branca comes this rising star from the golden age of cocktails.
Created in the 1900s by Ada Coleman while she was head bartender at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar. She devised this for Sir Charles Hawtrey, an actor who christened the drink by exclaiming, “That is the real Hanky Panky” when he tried it the first time.
Hanky Panky Recipe
2 ounces gin
1 ounce sweet vermouth
ΒΌ ounce Fernet Branca
Garnish: orange twist
In a mixing glass half filled with ice, combine the gin, vermouth, and Fernet.
Stir well.
Strain into a Nick and Nora or a coup glass.
Garnish with orange twist.
The Hanky Panky is part of our selection of not too sweet Valentine’s Cocktails.
For another spirits and sweet vermouth classic, try our Manhattan Cocktail.
Browse all of our cocktail recipes in our Cocktail Recipe Index.
Recommended Products for the Hanky Panky
Riedel Nick and Nora Glasses
The petite Nick and Nora glass is a perfect fit for this Hanky Panky recipe. I was pleasantly surprised at how sturdy these glasses are. The bell shaped glass is perfectly shaped for sipping.
Riedel Veritas Coupe Glasses
These coupe glasses are a little large, but they’re perfect for the Hanky Panky cocktail recipe doubled. I use these coupes for any cocktail that is chilled and strained into a glass for an elegant presentation. And of course these are perfect for Champagne and any other sparkling wines.
Mixing Glass by Riedel
My Riedel mixing glass is my favorite right now. Its generous 22 ounce size lends itself to mixing up more than a single drink at a time (or several doubles at a time). Really sturdy and the lines cut into the sides give a great grip, even when the glass is wet.
Bar Spoon by Barfly
Barfly makes fantastic barware. I prefer the stainless steel but they make a range of colors and finishes. This bar spoon is the right size for the Riedel mixing glass, and also is great at getting olives and other garnishes out of their container.
Stainless Julep Strainer by Barfly
I love the clean lines of a julep strainer as opposed to a Hawthorne strainer. My Barfly julep strainer fits the Riedel mixing glass perfectly. Use it facing up or down, they both work well.
Kyocera Ceramic Peeler
To get perfect orange twists for cocktails I use this ceramic peeler. It cuts just the surface without getting the bitter white pith. A great addition to any bar.
Have all the ingredients and more delivered right to your door, with Drizly!