Hanky Panky Recipes: A Delicious Dive into Cocktail History & Modern Variations

## Unveiling the Mystique of the Hanky Panky: A Cocktail Legend

The Hanky Panky. The name alone conjures images of a bygone era, a time of clandestine speakeasies and sophisticated sips. But this classic cocktail is more than just a catchy moniker; it’s a testament to the enduring power of well-balanced flavors and the creativity of pioneering bartenders. This blog post will take you on a journey through the history of the Hanky Panky, explore its core ingredients, and provide you with a range of recipes, from the traditional to exciting modern variations. Get ready to shake up some cocktail magic!

## Ada Coleman: The Matriarch Behind the Masterpiece

Before we delve into the recipes, it’s essential to acknowledge the remarkable woman who birthed this iconic drink: Ada “Coley” Coleman. As one of the few female head bartenders of her time, Coley reigned supreme at the American Bar of the Savoy Hotel in London for over two decades, from 1903 to 1926. She was a true legend, known for her exceptional palate, warm hospitality, and innovative cocktail creations.

The Hanky Panky was reportedly invented for one of Coley’s favorite patrons, the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey. After a long day of performing, Hawtrey sought a drink that would truly invigorate him. Coley experimented with different combinations until she landed on a blend that elicited an enthusiastic, “By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!” The name stuck, and the Hanky Panky was born, instantly becoming a signature drink at the Savoy and solidifying Coley’s place in cocktail history.

## The Classic Hanky Panky Recipe: A Symphony of Bittersweet Harmony

The beauty of the Hanky Panky lies in its simplicity. It features just three key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the cocktail’s overall character:

* **Gin:** The base spirit, providing a juniper-forward backbone. London Dry Gin is the traditional choice, offering a clean and crisp foundation. However, you can experiment with other styles, such as Old Tom Gin for a slightly sweeter profile or a more floral gin for added complexity.
* **Sweet Vermouth:** Adds sweetness, body, and herbal notes. Italian (red) vermouth is the classic choice, contributing a rich and slightly bitter flavor that complements the gin beautifully.
* **Fernet-Branca:** This is the Hanky Panky’s secret weapon. A complex and intensely bitter Italian amaro, Fernet-Branca adds a layer of depth and intrigue that elevates the cocktail from ordinary to extraordinary. Its medicinal and herbal notes create a captivating contrast to the gin and sweet vermouth.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Gin
* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Sweet Vermouth
* 2 dashes Fernet-Branca

**Instructions:**

1. **Chill Your Glass:** Before you begin, chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This will help keep your cocktail cold.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
3. **Add Ice:** Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. **Stir:** Stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds, until thoroughly chilled and diluted. Use a bar spoon and stir in a circular motion.
5. **Strain:** Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
6. **Garnish:** Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink and discard the peel. This adds a subtle citrus aroma and flavor.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately.

**Tips for the Perfect Classic Hanky Panky:**

* **Use quality ingredients:** The quality of your gin, vermouth, and Fernet-Branca will significantly impact the final flavor of the cocktail. Invest in good quality brands for the best results.
* **Don’t skimp on the stirring:** Proper stirring is crucial for chilling and diluting the cocktail. Stir for at least 20-30 seconds to achieve the desired temperature and dilution.
* **Adjust to your taste:** The Hanky Panky is a relatively strong cocktail. If you prefer a slightly less intense drink, you can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your liking. For example, you could use a little less gin or a little more sweet vermouth.
* **Experiment with different gins:** While London Dry Gin is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other styles of gin. Old Tom Gin will add a touch of sweetness, while a more floral gin will add a layer of complexity.

## Modern Hanky Panky Variations: Expanding the Flavor Horizon

While the classic Hanky Panky is a timeless masterpiece, there’s always room for innovation. Here are a few modern variations that explore different flavor combinations and techniques:

### 1. Smoky Hanky Panky:

This variation adds a smoky dimension to the classic recipe by incorporating a mezcal rinse. Mezcal’s smoky notes complement the gin and Fernet-Branca, creating a complex and intriguing cocktail.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Gin
* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Sweet Vermouth
* 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
* 1/4 ounce (7.5ml) Mezcal (for rinsing)

**Instructions:**

1. **Rinse the glass:** Rinse a coupe or martini glass with mezcal, coating the inside of the glass. Discard any excess mezcal.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
3. **Add Ice:** Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. **Stir:** Stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds, until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
5. **Strain:** Strain the cocktail into the mezcal-rinsed glass.
6. **Garnish:** Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink and discard the peel.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately.

### 2. Chocolate Hanky Panky:

This decadent variation adds a touch of chocolate to the Hanky Panky, creating a rich and indulgent cocktail perfect for after dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Gin
* 1 ounce (30 ml) Sweet Vermouth
* 1/2 ounce (15ml) Crème de Cacao (dark)
* 2 dashes Fernet-Branca

**Instructions:**

1. **Chill Your Glass:** Before you begin, chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, crème de cacao, and Fernet-Branca.
3. **Add Ice:** Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. **Stir:** Stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds, until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
5. **Strain:** Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
6. **Garnish:** Grate a small amount of dark chocolate over the drink.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately.

### 3. Spicy Hanky Panky:

For those who enjoy a little heat, this variation adds a spicy kick to the classic recipe by infusing the gin with chili peppers.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Chili-Infused Gin (see instructions below)
* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Sweet Vermouth
* 2 dashes Fernet-Branca

**Instructions for Chili-Infused Gin:**

1. Take one 750ml bottle of Gin.
2. Add 1-2 dried chili peppers (depending on your spice preference – start with one and taste after a day)
3. Let sit for 24-48 hours, tasting occasionally.
4. Remove chili peppers when the gin reaches your desired spice level.

**Instructions for Cocktail:**

1. **Chill Your Glass:** Before you begin, chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing glass, combine the chili-infused gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
3. **Add Ice:** Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. **Stir:** Stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds, until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
5. **Strain:** Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
6. **Garnish:** A thin slice of red chili pepper (optional).
7. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately.

### 4. Lavender Hanky Panky:

This variation adds floral notes to the Hanky Panky. Lavender complements both the gin and Fernet-Branca.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Gin
* 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Sweet Vermouth
* 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
* 1/4 ounce (7.5ml) Lavender Syrup

**Instructions:**

1. **Chill Your Glass:** Before you begin, chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, Fernet-Branca, and lavender syrup.
3. **Add Ice:** Fill the mixing glass with ice.
4. **Stir:** Stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds, until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
5. **Strain:** Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
6. **Garnish:** A small sprig of lavender.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately.

### 5. Barrel-Aged Hanky Panky:

This variation offers a deeper, more complex flavour profile by aging the ingredients together in a small oak barrel. This method softens the harshness of the Fernet-Branca and allows the flavours to meld harmoniously.

**Ingredients:**

* 15 ounces (450 ml) Gin
* 15 ounces (450 ml) Sweet Vermouth
* 1 ounce (30 ml) Fernet-Branca

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large container, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
2. **Barrel Aging:** Pour the mixture into a small, previously used oak barrel (ideally a 1-3 litre barrel). The barrel should be seasoned, meaning it has already held another spirit, like whiskey or sherry, to avoid imparting too much raw oak flavour.
3. **Ageing Time:** Age the cocktail for 2-6 weeks, tasting it periodically. The ideal aging time depends on the size of the barrel and your personal preference. The longer it ages, the smoother and more complex the flavour will become. However, be careful not to over-age it, as it can become too oaky.
4. **Bottling:** Once the cocktail has reached your desired level of aging, remove it from the barrel and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any sediment.
5. **Storage:** Bottle the aged Hanky Panky in a sterilized glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

**Serving:**

Serve the Barrel-Aged Hanky Panky chilled, straight up in a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel, expressed over the drink and discarded.

**Notes:**

* Using a previously used barrel is crucial to avoid over-oaking. New barrels will impart too much raw oak flavour and can overpower the other ingredients.
* Monitor the aging process closely and taste the cocktail regularly to ensure it doesn’t become too oaky.
* Barrel aging is an advanced technique, and requires careful attention and experimentation. Start with shorter aging times and gradually increase them until you achieve your desired flavour profile.

## The Hanky Panky: A Cocktail for Every Occasion

The Hanky Panky is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Its bittersweet complexity makes it an excellent aperitif, stimulating the appetite before a meal. It also pairs well with rich and savory dishes, such as roasted meats, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail to impress your guests or a comforting nightcap to unwind after a long day, the Hanky Panky is sure to deliver.

## Conclusion: Embracing the Legacy and Innovation of the Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky is more than just a cocktail; it’s a piece of cocktail history, a testament to the creativity of Ada Coleman, and a celebration of balanced flavors. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of the modern variations, the Hanky Panky is a drink that deserves a place in every cocktail enthusiast’s repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your mixing glass, and get ready to experience the magic of the Hanky Panky. Cheers!