Check out this easy Hanky Panky recipe! It's a perfect choice with gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
172
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Gin
- 1½ oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your cocktail glass.
- Mix Ingredients: In the mixing glass combine 2 dashes Fernet-Branca, 1½ oz sweet Vermouth, and 1½ oz Gin.
- Stir: Fill up the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir the mixture well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass, leaving the ice behind.
- Garnish: Express an orange twist over the top, then drop it into the glass.
Notes
Substitutes:
Speaking from my own experience:- Gin: If I run out of gin, I sometimes use vodka. It offers a neutral profile, but the herbal essence of gin will be missed. For a different twist, you might also try a light rum.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can replace sweet vermouth if you're in a bind. If you go this route, I'd recommend adding a slight touch of simple syrup to offset the dryness.
- Fernet-Branca: It's hard to replicate the unique bitter and herbal qualities of Fernet-Branca, but in a pinch, Amaro Averna or Jägermeister might suffice, though they'll bring their distinct flavors.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: For a pitcher that serves 8, you'll need 12 oz of gin, 12 oz of sweet vermouth, and 16 dashes of Fernet-Branca.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher, add some ice cubes and stir well.
- Serve: Pour into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish each with an orange twist, and serve up.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Some non-alcoholic gin alternatives on the market capture the herbal essence without the alcohol.
- Fernet-Branca Substitute: Consider a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif or make a simple syrup infused with a mix of herbs and a dash of non-alcoholic bitter.
- Sweet Vermouth Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vermouth or a mix of grape juice with a dash of vinegar for tang.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these substitutes and follow the original steps for a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
Even if it will alter the taste a bit, switch Fernet-Branca for Branca-Menta and always check the labels on the other ingredients, especially sweet vermouth, as some might use animal-derived fining agents during production. Opt for brands that specify their vegan-friendly processes.What is a Hanky Panky Cocktail?
Hanky Panky is a blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. This IBA-certified drink is known for its unique flavor profile that tantalizes the palate. It gained its playful name, “Hanky Panky,” from a customer’s exclamation of delight after tasting it for the first time. Its elegance lies in its balance of ingredients, proving that a classic cocktail doesn’t require complex mixology. This timeless recipe, celebrated for its straightforward yet refined character, offers a luxurious experience with every sip.
What is a Hanky Panky Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Gather these components for the preparation of a Hanky Panky Cocktail:
- Gin: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries, it provides the cocktail’s primary base and aromatic profile.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine flavored with aromatic herbs adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the drink.
- Fernet-Branca: A type of amaro (bitter) mixed with herbs and spices; it gives the Hanky Panky its distinct herbal and slightly bitter finish.
- Orange Twist (optional): A piece of orange peel, often twisted over the cocktail, contributes a fresh citrus aroma and subtle flavor accent.
