When it comes to timeless classics, the Hanky Panky deserves a spot in the pantheon of sophisticated sippers. Equal parts elegant and enigmatic, this gin-based cocktail has a fascinating origin story and a flavor profile that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, with a flavor profile that’s herbaceous, bittersweet, and refreshingly aromatic. The gin and sweet vermouth provide a smooth and mellow base, while the fernet adds a bracing edge that lingers on the finish. It’s a cocktail that evolves with each sip, much like the story behind its name. Our rendition of the Hanky Panky cocktail utilizes Lustau Fino del Puerto in place of gin, paired with Vermut Lustau Rojo. Have a sip and discover why this bold and mysterious cocktail is truly unforgettable.
COCKTAIL: Hanky Panky
Full Ingredients list
- 1.5oz Lustau Fino del Puerto
- 1.5oz Vermut Lustau Rojo
- 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
- Garnish: Orange Twist
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF THE HANKY PANKY?
The Hanky Panky was born in the early 20th century, at the height of London’s cocktail renaissance. At first glance, the Hanky Panky looks like a close cousin to the Negroni or a Martinez, but its flavor is uniquely its own. It was the invention of Ada “Coley” Coleman, the legendary head bartender at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel—one of the few women at the time to hold such a prestigious position. Coleman created the drink for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a celebrated Edwardian actor who frequented the bar and requested a new concoction with “a bit of punch.” Coley is thought to have created her now famous cocktail in 1921 when Hawtrey was both producing and starring in Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure at the Savoy Theatre next to the hotel. Earlier that year he’d also produced Basil McDonald Hastings’ Hanky Panky John, a farce which revolves around discovering who stole a £100 bill. After some experimentation, she handed him a glass of her new creation. Upon tasting it, he reportedly exclaimed, “By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!”, and the name stuck. The real secret to the Hanky Panky’s intrigue lies in fernet, a bold Italian amaro known for its intensely bitter and herbal flavor. In small doses, like the couple dashes used here, Fernet-Branca adds a whisper of bitterness and complexity, cutting through the sweetness of the vermouth and complementing the botanicals in the gin.
WHAT VERMOUTH IS BEST FOR A HANKY PANKY?
Although any traditional sweet red vermouth will work in a Hanky Panky, Vermut Lustau Rojo is an exceptional choice for our version. Crafted from an amontillado and a pedro ximénez, this vermut has a velvety texture that lies at the intersection of dry and nutty, and sweet and intense. Along with a careful selection of 10 botanicals infused separately, Vermut Lustau Rojo achieves a perfect balance, where the high quality of its wines takes the lead. Its exceptional quality is widely recognized for its distinct, flavorful, and slightly sweet character that sets it apart from other vermouths.
WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE A HANKY PANKY IN?
A Hanky Panky is traditionally served in a Nick & Nora glass, but a coupe or martini glass could also work. The Nick & Nora glass has a long stem, a high-sided bowl, a narrow mouth, and a moderate capacity (about 5 US fluid ounces or 150ml). It is considered a more elegant alternative to the large and more popular wide-mouthed martini glass. The Nick & Nora’s tighter bowl and straighter sides hold in aromas better, are more spill-resistant, and keep cocktails colder longer than the martini glass. The glass also resembles coupe glass, though with a smaller diameter and higher sides.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A HANKY PANKY COCKTAIL USING LUSTAU?
Creating a Lustau Hanky Panky cocktail either at home or for a cocktail program is both an enjoyable and cost-effective endeavor.
● Cost-Effective: At approximately $2.39 per serving, making a Hanky Panky is inexpensive and easy to build.
● Controlled Alcohol Content: With an ABV of around 12.6%, the Hanky Panky offers a moderate alcohol level, making it a sophisticated choice for most situations.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs and alcohol by volume (ABV) for each ingredient, along with the total cost per serving.
HOW TO PREPARE A HANKY PANKY AT HOME
1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
2 Add ice, stir, and strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass
3Express oil over the cocktail and garnish with the orange twist
FAQ
How much alcohol is in a hanky panky?
A traditional Hanky Panky has an ABV of 23.3%, whereas our version has an ABV of 12.6%.
Who invented the hanky panky cocktail?
The Hanky Panky was invented by Ada “Coley” Coleman at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, and was created for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a celebrated Edwardian actor.
Why is it called Hanky Panky cocktail?
Coley is thought to have created her now famous cocktail in 1921 when Charles Hawtrey was both producing and starring in Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure at the Savoy Theatre next to the hotel. Earlier that year he’d also produced Basil McDonald Hastings’ Hanky Panky John, a farce which revolves around discovering who stole a £100 bill.
