How to Make a Hanky Panky Drink: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting the perfect Hanky Panky cocktail is a journey into the historic elegance of classic bartending. Originating from the Savoy Hotel in London and created by the iconic Ada Coleman, this drink is a delicate balance of gin, sweet vermouth, and a touch of Fernet-Branca. The magic ratio is 1.5 ounces of gin, 1.5 ounces of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca.
When preparing a Hanky Panky, remember to chill your glassware beforehand. This step keeps your cocktail crisp and refreshing. One time, I forgot to do this and ended up with a drink that felt lukewarm—far from the sharp, invigorating sip you expect from a well-made Hanky Panky. Chill that glass, and you’ll taste the difference!
For a smooth finish, use freshly opened vermouth. In my early experiments, I made the mistake of using an old bottle of vermouth, leading to a flat-tasting cocktail. Always use quality ingredients and invest in small bottles if you don’t make cocktails often. These nuances may seem minor, but they significantly impact the final flavor.
Crafting the Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail that combines the flavors of gin, vermouth, and amaro with a twist of orange. Getting the right balance and technique is essential to making this timeless drink.
Ingredients and Ratios
To make a perfect Hanky Panky, you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz. London Dry Gin (Beefeater or Tanqueray work great)
- 1.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula recommended)
- 0.25 oz. Italian Amaro (Fernet Branca is the traditional choice)
Using freshly opened bottles can make a noticeable difference in flavor. Gin provides the backbone, while sweet vermouth adds a rich, herbal note. The amaro brings a touch of bitterness, tying all flavors together.
Mixing Technique
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Use enough ice to chill the drink properly without diluting it too much.
- Combine the ingredients. Pour the gin, vermouth, and amaro over the ice.
- Stir gently. Stirring for about 30 seconds is just right. Too short and the drink won’t be cold, too long and you risk watering it down. I’ve over-stirred a few times in my home bar, and the cocktail ended up too diluted.
Serving the Cocktail
- Strain into a chilled glass. Use a cocktail or Nick and Nora glass. Chilling the glass in advance is a small step that makes a big impact on serving temperature.
- Garnish with an orange twist. Cut a strip of orange peel, twisting it over the drink to release the oils. Drop it in for added aroma and flavor.
Consistency and attention to detail make the Hanky Panky shine. If you mistakenly forget to chill your glass, throw it in the freezer for a couple of minutes while you prepare the ingredients.
