Mix up the perfect Hanky Panky drink with this easy recipe featuring gin and sweet vermouth, garnished with lemon for a refreshing twist. Perfect for any occasion, impress your guests with this classic cocktail. Learn how to stir like a pro with a bar spoon and serve in a sophisticated cocktail glass. Start your bartending journey today!
Hanky Panky Ingredients
- 1-1/2 oz Gin
- 1-1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- garnish Lemon
Hanky Panky Equipment
- kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Hanky Panky Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill Cocktail glass
- if preferred, serve with a Lemon as a garnish
Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass
The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.The Hanky Panky Cocktail: A Classic Drink with a Twist
If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a twist, look no further than the Hanky Panky. This gin-based cocktail has been a popular choice for decades, and for good reason. In this article, we'll explore the history and popularity of the Hanky Panky, the role of its ingredients, how to garnish it, the different variations, and common mistakes to avoid when making it.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Hanky Panky cocktail was created by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London during the early 1900s. It was reportedly created for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who asked her to make him something "with a bit of a punch in it." Coleman combined gin, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Fernet-Branca, a bitter Italian liqueur, to create the Hanky Panky. Hawtrey was so pleased with the drink that he asked for another and exclaimed, "By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!" Thus, the Hanky Panky cocktail was born.
Famous For
Since its creation, the Hanky Panky has become a staple in the world of cocktails. It's famous for its complex flavor profile, which is both sweet and bitter, and its smooth finish. The drink has also gained popularity due to its history and the story behind its creation.
Geographic
While the Hanky Panky was created in London, it has since become a popular cocktail worldwide. It's a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike, and can be found on menus in bars and restaurants around the globe.
Appearance
The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail served straight up in a cocktail glass. It has a deep red color and is usually garnished with a lemon twist.
Ingredient Roles
The Hanky Panky cocktail is made with three main ingredients: gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. Each of these ingredients plays an important role in the flavor profile of the cocktail.
Gin
Gin is the base spirit in the Hanky Panky cocktail. It provides the backbone of the drink and sets the stage for the other ingredients to shine. The juniper and botanicals in gin add a complex flavor profile to the cocktail.
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that provides sweetness and depth to the Hanky Panky cocktail. It also helps to balance out the bitterness of the Fernet-Branca.
Fernet-Branca
Fernet-Branca is a bitter Italian liqueur made from a blend of herbs and spices. It adds a complex and bitter flavor to the cocktail, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the vermouth.
How to Garnish
The Hanky Panky is typically garnished with a lemon twist. To do this, first, cut a thin strip of lemon peel, being careful not to include any of the white pith. Then, twist the peel over the cocktail to release the oils and drop it into the drink.
Variations
While the classic Hanky Panky cocktail is delicious as-is, there are several variations that you can try if you're looking to mix things up.
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Hanky Panky, simply omit the gin and Fernet-Branca and replace the sweet vermouth with a non-alcoholic alternative, such as grape juice or cranberry juice.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Hanky Panky cocktail is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, if you're looking for gluten-free gin and vermouth, you could try brands like Tito's Handmade Vodka or Dolin Vermouth de Chambery.
Vegan Version
The classic Hanky Panky cocktail is already vegan, as none of its ingredients come from animal sources. However, if you're looking for a vegan Fernet-Branca alternative, you could try Branca Menta, which is also a bitter Italian liqueur but contains peppermint oil instead of animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Hanky Panky, you can use a sugar-free sweet vermouth and gin. Some options include Bombora Vodka and Vermouth Zero, which are both sugar-free and keto-friendly.
Low-Calorie Version
If you're looking for a lower-calorie version of the Hanky Panky, you can use a lighter gin and vermouth, such as Hendrick's Gin and Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth. You could also reduce the amount of sweet vermouth used in the cocktail.
More Variations
Other variations of the Hanky Panky cocktail include:
- The Hanky Panky Royale: Add champagne to the classic recipe.
- The Hanky Panky Original: Use equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
- The Hanky Panky 47: Use Hendrick's Gin, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, and Fernet-Branca Menta.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making the Hanky Panky cocktail, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much Fernet-Branca: It's important to use the right amount of Fernet-Branca to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Too much can overpower the other ingredients.
- Not stirring properly: The Hanky Panky should be stirred, not shaken. Use a metal straw or teaspoon to stir it properly, or invest in a bar spoon if you want to be a pro.
- Using the wrong garnish: While lemon is the classic garnish for the Hanky Panky, you could also try using an orange twist or a cherry.
In conclusion, the Hanky Panky cocktail is a classic drink with a twist that has stood the test of time. It's a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike, and with its complex flavor profile, it's easy to see why. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or a new twist on an old favorite, the Hanky Panky cocktail is sure to please.
If you are going to order Hanky Panky in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Hanky Panky can be served with different ingredients in different places.
