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Hanky Panky Cocktail Drink

Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.