The original Hanky Panky, an equal-parts gin and sweet vermouth cocktail bolstered by two dashes of bitter Fernet-Branca, dates back to 1925 and is the most famous cocktail credited to Ada “Coley” Coleman during her time as head bartender at the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel in London. Variations abound and at Brooklyn restaurant and café Leo, Steven Reker turns to a trio of made-in New York ingredients, swapping out the typical two dashes of Fernet-Branca for a half-ounce of Brooklyn-born Arcane Fernet. “I like the classic Hanky Panky because it’s somewhere in between being a Martini or a Negroni—it’s a great winter gin drink for the indecisive,” says Fadem.
The Local Hanky Panky
Steven Reker, Leo | Brooklyn, New York
Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 1/2 ounces gin, preferably Forthave Spirits Blue Gin
- 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth, preferably Little City
- 1/2 ounce fernet, preferably Arcane Distilling Fernet Herbal Amaro
Garnish: orange twist
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.