Recipes

Hanky Panky

Created by the legendary Ada "Coley" Coleman at The Savoy Hotel in London, the Hanky Panky is a sophisticated twist on a Sweet Martini. A few dashes of the intensely bitter and herbal Fernet-Branca completely transform the drink, adding depth and a complex, lingering finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz London Dry Gin
  • 1 ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
  • Garnish: Orange Peel

Instructions

  1. Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for several minutes until it's ice-cold.
  2. Combine and Stir: Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca to a mixing glass filled with plenty of ice.
  3. Stir Well: Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is frosty. This ensures the drink is perfectly chilled and diluted.
  4. Strain: Strain the contents into your chilled glass.
  5. Garnish: Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the surface of the drink to release its aroma, then drop it in.

Pro Tips for Perfection

A Little Fernet Goes a Long Way: Fernet-Branca is a very potent, bitter, and mentholated amaro. The goal is not to overpower the drink but to add a complex, herbaceous backbone. Start with just two dashes; you can always add another if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Stir, Never Shake: Like a Martini or a Manhattan, the Hanky Panky is composed entirely of spirits. It must be stirred to achieve the correct silky texture and crystal-clear appearance. Shaking would make it cloudy and frothy.

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