Hanky Panky

classic #cocktail #gin #vermouth #fernet #stirred

Spec

  • 1.5 oz Gin (London Dry)
  • 1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
  • Orange peel, expressed

Build

Stir all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe. Express orange peel over the surface and drop in.

Story

Ada "Coley" Coleman, head bartender at the Savoy Hotel American Bar, ~1903. Made for actor Charles Hawtrey, who declared "by Jove, that is the real hanky-panky!" One of the few early-20th-century cocktails by a woman.

Service

Coupe, no ice. Gentle bitter finish from the Fernet — many guests won't realize it's there.

Tasting

Spirit-forward, herbal-bitter, vinous. The Fernet is restrained but transformative.

Costing (estimated)

  • Pour cost: ~$2.85
  • Menu price: $17
  • Margin: ~83%