The Hanky Panky cocktail is a classic drink created in the early 20th century by Ada "Coley" Coleman, the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar in London. Known for its simplicity and balance, the cocktail combines three key ingredients: dry gin, sweet Italian vermouth, and Fernet-Branca, which gives it its signature bitter edge. Here’s what you need to know:
- Invented by Ada Coleman in response to a request for a drink with "a bit of punch" from actor Sir Charles Hawtrey.
- Ingredients: Equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, with two dashes of Fernet-Branca.
- Legacy: Recognised as one of the first iconic cocktails credited to a female bartender, it remains a staple in modern mixology.
- Technique: Stirred, not shaken, and garnished with orange peel for added aroma.
This cocktail blends British gin culture with Italian aperitivo traditions, creating a timeless drink that continues to inspire bartenders worldwide. Want to make your own? Stick to quality ingredients and precise technique to enjoy it as Ada Coleman intended.
The Hanky Panky: A gin drink with a punch in it!
The Creation of the Hanky Panky at the Savoy Hotel
The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel holds a legendary status in the world of cocktails. As Britain’s oldest surviving cocktail bar, it was among the first in London to serve "American" style mixed drinks. Over time, it became a beacon of creativity, attracting London’s elite and shaping the city’s cocktail culture in the early 20th century.
But the bar’s influence wasn’t just about its prestigious clientele. It was a place where innovation thrived, and its legacy was immortalised in The Savoy Cocktail Book. This iconic collection of 750 cocktail recipes remains a cornerstone of mixology, highlighting the American Bar’s pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation. It was in this environment of experimentation and excellence that Ada Coleman emerged as a trailblazer in the art of mixology.
Ada Coleman: A Pioneer in Mixology
Ada "Coley" Coleman’s journey to becoming one of history’s most celebrated bartenders began with a personal loss. At just 24, after the death of her father - who had worked as a steward at Rupert D’Oyly Carte’s golf club - she entered the hotel industry out of necessity. D’Oyly Carte offered her a position at one of his hotels, and she began her career at Claridge’s, where she refined her skills. By 1903, Coleman had risen to become the Savoy’s first and only female head bartender, a role she held for 23 years, serving an astonishing 100,000 customers during her tenure.
Her charm and energy left a lasting impression. The Earl of Lonsdale once said:
"She was so nice and so kind and so full of life and energy."
Erik Lorincz, who served as the American Bar’s head bartender from 2010 to 2018, also acknowledged her impact:
"Ada was the first and only female head bartender at the American Bar ever since the bar opened. She is an iconic legend."
Coleman’s passion for creating new drinks and her inventive approach to mixology set her apart. Her dedication to her craft not only elevated cocktail-making but also led to the creation of a drink that carries her legacy to this day.
The Story Behind the Name
The Hanky Panky cocktail is a perfect reflection of the personalised service and creative experimentation that defined the American Bar under Coleman’s leadership. The drink was crafted for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a popular comedic actor and regular patron, who requested something with "a bit of punch" to revitalise him after long hours on stage.
When Coleman presented her creation, Hawtrey’s reaction became the cocktail’s namesake:
"By Jove!' - people said that back in the day - 'This is the real hanky-panky!' And Hanky-Panky it has been called ever since."
This story not only highlights the close bond between bartender and patron but also encapsulates the spirit of innovation and personal touch that made the American Bar - and Ada Coleman - legendary. The Hanky Panky remains a timeless testament to her creativity and the vibrant cocktail culture of her era.
Breaking Down the Original Recipe
The Hanky Panky cocktail is built on a straightforward yet intriguing trio of ingredients: equal parts dry gin and Italian vermouth, finished with two dashes of Fernet-Branca. Erik Lorincz, a former head bartender, described it as "the cleverest combination of flavours". By incorporating Fernet-Branca, this drink takes the familiar sweet martini and gives it a bold twist, a move that Kevin Diedrich notes appeals to fans of both Martinis and Manhattans.
Key Ingredients and Their History
Each component plays a vital role in shaping the Hanky Panky's unique flavour profile.
London dry gin forms the backbone of the cocktail, delivering its characteristic aromatic notes. By the Edwardian period, gin had already cemented its place in London's drinking culture. After the Gin Craze of the 1700s, its popularity persisted well into the 1790s and beyond, making it an obvious choice for Ada Coleman's creation.
Sweet Italian vermouth adds a layer of herbal sweetness and complexity to the drink. Its rich, herbal quality not only balances the gin but also tempers the intensity of Fernet-Branca. This ingredient reflects the cosmopolitan vibe of Edwardian London, where international spirits were savoured in prestigious hotels and gentlemen's clubs.
Fernet-Branca provides the cocktail's signature bitter edge. This Italian digestivo is packed with botanicals like cardamom, chamomile, saffron, and rhubarb, giving it a distinctive and layered bitterness. The result is a harmonious blend of flavours that makes the Hanky Panky stand out.
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The Hanky Panky's Place in Cocktail History
The Hanky Panky represents a pivotal moment in British cocktail culture. Emerging during the vibrant Edwardian era in London, this drink blended classic British preferences with the sophisticated aperitivo traditions of Italy, introducing a new depth of flavour through bitter herbal liqueurs.
Aperitivo Traditions and Edwardian London
The early 20th century marked a shift in London's drinking habits. At the renowned American Bar in the Savoy Hotel, Ada Coleman - a trailblazing bartender - crafted a cocktail that perfectly combined British gin with the Italian aperitivo tradition. Her creation, the Hanky Panky, paired the familiar flavours of gin and sweet vermouth with the bold, bitter complexity of Fernet-Branca. This innovative mix offered British drinkers a gateway into the world of Italian digestivi, a flavour profile that was largely unknown at the time.
Ada Coleman's career and her creation of the Hanky Panky played a key role in introducing and popularising these complex, bitter tastes in Britain, paving the way for a broader appreciation of Italian spirits.
Influence on Modern Mixology
The Hanky Panky’s legacy continues to shape the world of mixology today. Erik Lorincz, a former head bartender at the American Bar, highlighted its timeless appeal:
"I see this as the cleverest combination of flavours that support one another... It's just like a Negroni, Daiquiri, or Old Fashioned, where only three ingredients are combined in perfect proportion with the best technique, resulting in one of the greatest classic cocktails surviving today."
The cocktail’s simple yet harmonious blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca has become a benchmark for balance in bartending. Its resurgence during the 21st-century revival of classic cocktails coincided with a renewed interest in amari and other bitter liqueurs, solidifying its place as a staple in modern bars.
Ada Coleman's influence was celebrated in 2018 when a New York bar was named Ada's Place in her honour. The American Bar itself, where the Hanky Panky was born, was named the best bar in the world by CNN Travel in 2017, a testament to its enduring impact on cocktail culture.
Significantly, the Hanky Panky is recognised as the first iconic cocktail credited to a female bartender. This achievement not only cemented its historical importance but also sparked meaningful conversations about representation and recognition in the spirits industry. Its continued popularity serves as proof that complexity doesn’t have to be overwhelming - a principle that inspires bartenders to focus on quality ingredients and masterful technique. This timeless approach sets the stage for exploring how modern methods can enhance this classic drink in the next section.
How to Make the Classic Hanky Panky Recipe
Crafting the perfect Hanky Panky requires precision, quality ingredients, and a touch of care. This classic cocktail is a harmonious blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and the distinct bitterness of Fernet. With the right technique, you can recreate Ada Coleman's iconic drink at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The Hanky Panky is built on simplicity, using a traditional stirred method to preserve the character of each ingredient. To make it, you'll need 50ml ELLC London Dry Gin, 50ml Asterley Bros Estate Sweet Vermouth, and 10ml Asterley Bros Britannica London Fernet.
- Start by filling a mixing glass with fresh ice.
- Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet. Stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute it slightly. Avoid shaking, as it can over-dilute the drink.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain the drink's cool temperature.
- Finish by expressing the oils from an orange peel over the drink and using it as a garnish.
James Berry, Director and Founder of Asterley Bros, shares insights about their Fernet:
"By bringing together the classic botanicals of a Fernet, and adding these new British elements, we have created our very own style, a 'London Fernet'."
This British twist adds a unique depth to the traditional recipe while keeping its signature bitter essence intact.
Tips for Better Flavour
Take your Hanky Panky to the next level with these expert tips. First, always store sweet vermouth in the fridge and replace it within three months of opening. Using stale vermouth can throw off the cocktail's balance.
When garnishing with orange peel, rub it gently around the rim of the glass before dropping it in. This releases aromatic oils, enhancing the drink's fragrance. If you're out of fresh orange peel, a few dashes of orange bitters can achieve a similar effect.
For a slightly drier take on the classic, adjust the recipe to 60ml gin, 30ml sweet vermouth, and 7.5ml Fernet-Branca. Adding a splash of fresh orange juice can also brighten the flavour profile.
Finally, always use fresh ice to avoid over-dilution. As a spirit-forward drink with an approximate ABV of 24%, proper ice management is crucial. Stir gently but steadily to blend the ingredients without watering it down.
Conclusion
The Hanky Panky stands as a shining example of Edwardian mixology and Ada Coleman's trailblazing ingenuity. Its influence on today’s cocktail culture is undeniable, showcasing how bitter Italian digestivi can seamlessly blend with and elevate traditional British drinking habits.
Using premium ingredients like Asterley Bros Estate Sweet Vermouth and Britannica London Fernet helps preserve the cocktail's original charm while offering room for modern twists. As Erik Mathes from Vitamix aptly puts it:
"Whether you strive to be known as a master mixologist or an expert in craft cocktails, the ingredients you put into your drinks make a big difference".
With its rich history and perfected simplicity, the Hanky Panky invites both seasoned mixologists and curious newcomers to experiment. This cocktail proves that with just three carefully balanced ingredients, you can create something truly special. Whether you’re exploring vermouth-based drinks for the first time or honing your skills, the Hanky Panky offers an opportunity to savour the intricate harmony of botanical flavours.
Why not experiment with proportions, try new garnishes, or put your own spin on this timeless drink? By choosing quality spirits, you honour Ada Coleman's original vision while embracing the creative spirit she embodied. Over a century later, her passion for innovation and craftsmanship continues to inspire cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
FAQs
What makes the Hanky Panky cocktail unique among classic drinks?
The Hanky Panky cocktail stands out thanks to its fascinating mix of flavours and a story steeped in history. Crafted by Ada Coleman, the iconic head bartender of London's Savoy Hotel in the early 1900s, this drink brings together London dry gin, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Fernet-Branca. That final ingredient gives it a bold, bittersweet edge that makes it unlike any other cocktail from its time.
But there's more to the Hanky Panky than its taste. It's a lasting tribute to Coleman's ingenuity and her influence as one of the rare prominent female bartenders of her era. The cocktail’s charm endures because it blends the traditions of classic aperitivo culture with the creativity of modern mixology, earning it a special place in the hearts of cocktail lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
What inspired Ada Coleman to create the Hanky Panky cocktail?
Ada Coleman, one of the trailblazing female head bartenders at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in London, is credited with creating the iconic Hanky Panky cocktail in the early 20th century. Working in a profession dominated by men, Coleman honed her craft and developed the confidence to experiment with daring flavours and inventive combinations.
The cocktail came to life when Sir Charles Hawtrey, a celebrated actor of the era, asked for a drink with a bit of a "kick." Coleman’s response? A masterful mix of Fernet-Branca, gin, and sweet vermouth. This bold combination showcased her exceptional skill in balancing flavours and creating complexity. The result was a drink that not only delighted her patrons but also earned its place as a timeless classic in the world of cocktails.
How can I create the perfect balance of flavours when making a Hanky Panky cocktail at home?
To mix a perfectly balanced Hanky Panky, start by combining equal measures of gin and sweet vermouth - about 45ml each. Then, add 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca, but go easy and adjust to your preference since its bold flavour can pack quite a punch. Stir the mixture with ice for 20–30 seconds. This step chills the cocktail and introduces just the right amount of dilution, creating a smooth and harmonious blend.
For a touch of extra depth, try adding a dash of orange bitters. This can help mellow out the sharper notes and bring a bit more complexity to the drink. Serve it in a chilled glass, and finish with an orange twist for a garnish. Not only does it look elegant, but it also complements the cocktail's herbal and botanical essence beautifully.