📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 25%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 6g
Prep time 3 minutes
Imagine finding the secret to the perfect sip of history and mystery in a glass. The Hanky Panky cocktail is like a magic trick for your taste buds, with a twist of gin, a whisper of vermouth, and a special secret ingredient that we’ll explore together. Let’s unlock the secrets of this enchanting concoction together, shall we? ⬇️
History
The Hanky Panky was first stirred to life in the early 1900s at London’s famed Savoy Hotel. It was created by a pioneering female bartender, Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman. This cocktail quickly became a classic, capturing the hearts of many with its sophisticated balance and bold flavors.
- The name ‘Hanky Panky’ was coined after a famous actor exclaimed it was “the real hanky-panky” when he tasted it.
- Coley created the drink for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a renowned Victorian actor who wanted something with a bit of punch.
- The Savoy Hotel’s American Bar, where the Hanky Panky was born, remains a cocktail institution to this day.
The taste of a Hanky Panky?
The Hanky Panky dances on your palate with a mix of herbal, sweet, and bitter notes. It’s a symphony of flavors that starts with a strong gin base and ends with the mysterious hint of Fernet-Branca.
I find the Hanky Panky to be an intriguing puzzle of flavors that always leaves me wanting another sip.
Interesting facts about Hanky Panky
- The Hanky Panky is one of the few classic cocktails invented by a woman in an era dominated by male bartenders.
- Fernet-Branca, the cocktail’s secret ingredient, was originally used as a medicinal tonic in the 1800s.
- Despite its name suggesting frivolity, the Hanky Panky is considered a serious and respectable cocktail in mixology circles.
Ingredients
- Gin: 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Sweet Vermouth: 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Fernet-Branca: 2 dashes
A Hanky Panky is traditionally served in a cocktail glass. The wide brim of the cocktail glass allows the aromatic elements to tantalize the nose, enhancing the sipping experience. Alternatively, a coupe glass could also cradle this storied drink quite nicely.
Recipe. How to make Hanky Panky
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and pour in 1.5 oz (45ml) of gin and 1.5 oz (45ml) of sweet vermouth.
- Add 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca and stir well until chilled.
- Strain the mix into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.
The Hanky Panky is a delight, but it’s wise to sip with mindfulness. With its mix of alcohol and sugar, one could easily craft a less guilt-inducing version using natural sweeteners or by reducing the vermouth.
Food Pairings
Certain delicacies can elevate the Hanky Panky’s charm, creating a harmonious blend of taste sensations. Here are some delightful pairings that bring out the best in this storied cocktail.
Charcuterie
The savory flavors of cured meats and aged cheeses create a beautiful contrast with the Hanky Panky’s herbaceous and bitter notes.
Dark Chocolate
A piece of rich, dark chocolate complements the cocktail’s complexity and adds a touch of sweetness that balances the bitterness of Fernet-Branca.
Grilled Steak
The robust flavors of a grilled steak pair perfectly with the strong, spirit-forward nature of the Hanky Panky, making each bite and sip a hearty experience.
I adore the Hanky Panky’s mysterious layers; it’s like a whisper of intrigue wrapped in a velvet cloak.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh ice to avoid diluting the cocktail with melted water from old ice.
- Stir the cocktail with a gentle hand to chill without over-diluting the drink’s potent flavors.
- The orange twist garnish should be expressed over the drink to release the essential oils, then rubbed around the rim before it’s dropped in.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Hanky Panky, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Hanky Panky
- Gin: Swap for a barrel-aged gin to add a touch of woodiness and spice.
- Sweet Vermouth: Use a dry vermouth for a less sweet and more herbaceous profile.
- Fernet-Branca: Try a different amaro for a twist on the classic bitterness.
Hanky Panky Variations
Smoky Hanky Panky
- Ingredients: Add a splash of Islay Scotch for a smoky note.
- Recipe: Stir with the classic ingredients and garnish with a flamed orange peel.
Spicy Hanky Panky
- Ingredients: Include a small slice of fresh jalapeño for a kick.
- Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño with the gin before adding the other ingredients.
Herbal Hanky Panky
- Ingredients: Incorporate a sprig of fresh thyme or basil.
- Recipe: Clap the herbs between your hands and stir into the drink for an herbaceous twist.
A Virgin Hanky Panky can be just as enchanting without the alcohol. Mix equal parts non-alcoholic gin and a sweet non-alcoholic aperitif, with a dash of an herbaceous non-alcoholic bitter.
Q&A
What makes the Hanky Panky unique?
Ah, the magic lies in its balance and that dash of Fernet-Branca—like a secret handshake for the taste buds.
Can I make a Hanky Panky without Fernet-Branca?
Sure, but you’ll miss out on that special kick. Try a different amaro if you must, but tread carefully; it’s the soul of the drink.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Hanky Panky?
Indeed, there is! Swap out the spirits for their non-alcoholic counterparts and enjoy the same complex flavors.
How long should I stir my Hanky Panky?
Just until it’s perfectly chilled and slightly diluted—it’s about finding that sweet spot.
What’s the best time to serve a Hanky Panky?
Anytime is good, but it truly shines as a pre-dinner aperitif, setting the stage for a delightful meal.
Can I batch make Hanky Pankys for a party?
Absolutely! Mix up a larger quantity, but add the Fernet-Branca to each glass upon serving to maintain its potent charm.
