Hanky Panky

A sweet Martini and dash of bitters that's just the hanky panky.

photo: Daniel Krieger
Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe

Ada “Coley” Coleman—who preceded legendary bartender Harry Craddock at the Savoy Hotel—had, like any great bartender, a following of devoted regulars. One of them, English stage actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, often came in following a long day requesting “something with a bit of a punch.” On one occasion, Coleman responded with a sweet Martini livened with a splash of Fernet Branca (a bitter Italian amaro), which Hawtrey called, “the real hanky-panky.” To this day, the drink remains Coleman’s most famous invention.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1 1/2 ounces gin
  • 1 1/2 ounces gin
  • 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 1 bar spoon Fernet Branca
  • 1 bar spoon Fernet Branca

Garnish: orange peel

Directions
  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir until chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Tagged: Ada Coleman, Fernet Branca, gin, Savoy Hotel, Sir Charles Hawtrey, sweet vermouth

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