Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe – A Gin, Vermouth & Fernet Classic from the Savoy

Invented in the early 20th century by Ada “Coley” Coleman, the pioneering head bartender at London’s famed Savoy Hotel, the Hanky Panky is a cocktail with history, elegance, and a delightfully bitter bite. This classic blend of London Dry gin, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Fernet-Branca is aromatic, complex, and entirely unforgettable. Whether you’re diving into vintage cocktails or looking for something adventurous beyond the usual Negroni or Martini, the Hanky Panky is your next bar cart essential. In this post, we’ll walk you through the original recipe, share the intriguing origin story, and offer expert tips to perfect this bold, refined drink.

5/22/20251 min read

🧪 Ingredients (1 serving):

1½ oz London Dry gin
1½ oz sweet vermouth
¼ oz Fernet-Branca
Ice

🍊 Garnish:

Orange twist

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Mixing glass
Bar spoon
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine strainer
Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

🍹 How to Make a Hanky Panky:

Chill your serving glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
In a mixing glass, add:
- 1½ oz gin
- 1½ oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz Fernet-Branca
Add plenty of ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Express the oils of an orange twist over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

✨ Tips for a Perfect Hanky Panky:

Use a bold gin with juniper-forward notes to stand up to the Fernet’s bitterness.
Stir, don’t shake—this cocktail is spirit-only, so it should be silky, not frothy.
If you're new to Fernet-Branca, this cocktail is a great introduction to its intense herbal complexity.