Italian Cocktails
Hanky Panky
The short answer
A Hanky Panky is gin and sweet vermouth in equal parts with two dashes of Fernet-Branca, stirred and served up with an orange peel.
- Style
- Gin, vermouth, Fernet, 26% ABV
- Glass
- Chilled coupe or Nick & Nora
- Strength
- Strong — spirit-forward
Where it comes from
The Hanky Panky is credited to Ada Coleman, head bartender at the American Bar of London's Savoy Hotel in the early 20th century. Its signature is the Italian amaro Fernet-Branca, used in tiny amounts to add a bitter, minty edge to a sweet Martini.
What you need
- 1½ oz (45 ml) London dry gin
- 1½ oz (45 ml) sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes (about ¼ tsp) Fernet-Branca
- Orange peel, to garnish
How Larry builds it
- 01
Measure carefully. Gin and vermouth equal; Fernet only by the dash. Too much and it is all you taste.
- 02
Stir with ice. Stir in a mixing glass until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
- 03
Strain up. Strain into a chilled coupe.
- 04
Garnish. Express an orange peel over the surface.
Larry’s rule: Created for an actor at the Savoy, made Italian by the Fernet.
Variations worth making
Drier Hanky Panky
Use 2 oz gin to 1 oz vermouth for a less sweet drink.
Martinez
Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino and bitters — a related classic.
Questions people ask
What is Fernet-Branca?
An Italian amaro from Milan — intensely bitter, herbal and minty. In a Hanky Panky it is used by the dash.
Who invented the Hanky Panky?
It is credited to Ada Coleman, who ran the bar at the Savoy Hotel in London.
Is the Hanky Panky sweet?
Moderately. Equal-parts sweet vermouth makes it rounder than a dry Martini, while the Fernet adds a bitter finish.
Can I replace Fernet-Branca?
Another bitter, mentholated amaro works, but the drink changes. Fernet is what defines it.
What to eat with it
Mix it like Larry
The shakers, jiggers and glasses behind this drink.
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Japanese-Style Double Jiggers, 2-PackView on Amazon →
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Order Hanky Panky with sausage and peppers at the spots on Larry’s lists:
More from Italian Cocktails
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