Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe

If you are in the mood for something classic with a bold twist, the Hanky Panky cocktail recipe is a must-try. It brings together gin, sweet vermouth, and a splash of Fernet-Branca for a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors. Smooth and intriguing with just the right amount of boldness, it is a cocktail that keeps things interesting.

There is a great story behind this drink. It was created in the early 1900s by Ada Coley Coleman, one of the few celebrated female bartenders of her time. She worked at London's famous American Bar, mixing up cocktails long before women were commonly seen behind the bar.

The name came from actor Charles Hawtrey. After taking a sip, he declared it real hanky panky, which back then meant something almost magical. The recipe starts off like a Martinez but takes an unexpected turn with the addition of Fernet-Branca, giving it a unique depth that sets it apart.

Ingredients You'll Need

Making a great Hanky Panky cocktail is all about balance. With just four simple ingredients, we get that perfect mix of sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors. Here is what we need to bring this classic to life.

Gin

A good London Dry Gin brings everything together. We want something with bold juniper notes and a crisp finish to stand up to the other ingredients.

Tanqueray is our go-to choice because its strong botanicals shine through beautifully. Sipsmith and Beefeater also work great, each adding its own character to the mix.

Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth smooths out the gin's sharpness and adds depth. The brand we choose makes a big difference in the final flavor.

Carpano Antica Formula brings in rich vanilla and spice notes that take this cocktail up a notch. Cocchi di Torino has a nice balance of sweetness and herbal depth, while Martini & Rossi is a solid, easy-to-find option that works well too.

You might also like: 18 Best Vermouth Cocktails You Should Definitely Try

Fernet-Branca

This is what gives the Hanky Panky its signature edge. There is no real substitute for Fernet-Branca because it is what makes this drink stand out.

Its intense herbal blend of mint, saffron, and myrrh adds a bold, bitter kick. A little goes a long way, so we only need a few dashes to keep everything in balance.

Related: What is Fernet? | 10 Best Fernet Branca Cocktails to Make at Home

Orange Twist

A fresh orange twist adds the final touch, bringing in bright citrus aromas that tie everything together.

We cut a wide strip of orange peel, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Then we give it a good twist over the glass to release all those fragrant oils before dropping it in.

How to Make a Hanky Panky Cocktail

First things first, let’s chill our cocktail glass. A quick 15 minutes in the freezer does the trick and keeps our drink cold and refreshing.

Now, we always stir this cocktail instead of shaking it. Stirring gives it that smooth, silky texture and keeps the flavors balanced without watering it down too much.

Next, we fill a mixing glass about two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes. Then we pour in equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, followed by a few dashes of Fernet-Branca.

Using a bar spoon, we stir everything for about 20 to 30 seconds. This step is key because it blends the ingredients while chilling the drink to the perfect temperature.

Once it is well mixed, we strain it into our chilled cocktail glass. The result should be crystal clear and ice-cold.

To finish it off, we cut a thin strip of orange peel, give it a quick twist over the glass to release those fragrant oils, then drop it in. It is a small step but makes all the difference.

Feeling creative? Try using a botanical gin for a modern twist or switch up the citrus peel for a new layer of flavor.

Want to see the exact measurements? The full recipe is in the recipe card below.

Hanky Panky Cocktail Variations

Looking to switch things up? There are plenty of ways to tweak the Hanky Panky cocktail and make it your own.

• Stronger and drier? Increase the gin to two ounces and reduce the sweet vermouth to one ounce for a more botanical-forward flavor while keeping that signature Fernet-Branca kick.
• Brighter and smoother? A splash of fresh orange juice softens the bitterness and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Richer and deeper? Barrel-aged gin brings warm oak notes that pair beautifully with Fernet-Branca.
• Different bitters? Swap Fernet-Branca for Cynar if you want an earthy, artichoke-forward taste or Averna for a smooth, caramel-like finish.

Adjust the gin and vermouth ratio to your taste, starting with equal parts. Give these variations a try and let us know which one you love the most!

Other Classic Cocktails to Try Next

If you love the Hanky Panky cocktail, here are some other classics worth exploring:

• Martinez 
• Negroni 
• Boulevardier
• Manhattan 
• Black Manhattan
• Old Pal

Frequently Asked Questions

What's in the Hanky Panky cocktail?

The classic Hanky Panky recipe calls for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, plus Fernet-Branca. We garnish with an orange twist.

You can adjust the ratios to make it drier by using more gin - try 2 parts gin to 1 part vermouth.

What does a Hanky Panky cocktail taste like?

The flavor is complex and bittersweet, with herbal notes from the Fernet-Branca and gin.

The sweet vermouth adds depth while the orange garnish brings a bright citrus aroma.

Why is it called Hanky Panky?

Sir Charles Hawtrey named it after trying the drink at London's Savoy Hotel. He exclaimed "By Jove! This is the real hanky panky!"

In the early 1900s, "hanky panky" meant something magical or mysteriously good.

What is the story behind the Hanky Panky cocktail?

Ada Coleman created this drink at the Savoy Hotel in London in the early 1900s.

She was the first female head bartender at the Savoy and made this drink for Sir Charles Hawtrey.

How strong is the Hanky Panky cocktail?

The drink packs a punch at around 24% alcohol by volume when made with standard 80-proof gin.

Proper stirring with ice helps mellow the strength through dilution.

What's the best gin for a Hanky Panky cocktail?

London Dry gin works best with its bold juniper notes balancing the other strong flavors.

We recommend Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Plymouth for their clean profiles that complement the Fernet-Branca.

Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe

The Hanky Panky cocktail is a true classic. It is a smooth and balanced mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca, with just the right blend of sweetness and bitterness. Ada Coleman, one of the first famous female bartenders, created this drink at London’s American Bar in the early 1900s, and it has been a favorite ever since.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Strainer
• Nick and Nora glass or coupe
• Citrus peeler

Ingredients

  

• 1½ oz London Dry Gin
• 1½ oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

 

• Chill the glass by filling it with ice water. Let it sit while we mix the drink, then empty it when we are ready to pour.
• In a mixing glass, add gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
• Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes to slow down dilution.
• Stir for about 30 seconds until everything is well mixed and properly chilled.
• Strain into the chilled glass.
• Cut a strip of orange peel, twist it over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in.

Notes

• Keep sweet vermouth refrigerated to maintain its fresh taste.
• Stir just enough to chill the drink without over-diluting it.
• When adding the orange twist, make sure to express the oils over the entire surface of the drink.
• Taste as you stir. Fernet-Branca is strong, so we want to balance it just right.

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