Hanky Panky Cocktail Recipe: A Classic Guide

Intermediate

20 minutes

4 Steps

9 Items

About This Project

To prepare a Hanky Panky cocktail, first, fill a mixing glass with ice. Then, add 1.5 oz of gin, 1.5 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon until well-chilled. Lastly, strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

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Tools & Materials

Ice cubes

Artisan Series Mixing Glass - BIC Originals

Bell Jiggers

Gin

Bitters Bottles (50ml)

Absinthe

Ice cubes

ice cubes

Artisan Series Mixing Glass - BIC Originals

Handblown in the Pacific NW, this gorgeous mixing glass inspired the creation of our company back in 2014. Our Artisan Mixing Glasses are just as functional as they are beautiful. We think this one-of-a-kind vessel bridges the line between sophisticated equipment and functional art. It will surely become your favorite (if not only) mixing glass once you see it in person. They're incredibly durable, made to handle huge temperature swings without cracking, and have a smooth, seamless interior (a necessity for any quality mixing glass). The exterior pattern is naturally occurring from the glass cooling, so no two are alike. <h4>So what makes the Artisan different than our Flagship?</h4> The Artisan series glass is made locally in the classic Venetian Hand-blown style. This is where our glassblower takes a fiery hot glob of glass and blows it up through a pipe like a balloon into our mold (much easier said than done). Once we remove it from the mold, instead of allowing the glass to cool naturally which would cause a smooth exterior surface, we shock it with cold water while it’s still semi-molten, creating that beautiful effect on the outside. It then goes through a slow annealing process, which means it heats up and cools down over a 48 hour period, making the glass pretty impervious to temperature changes thereafter. It’s also one of the heavier mixing glasses out there, which makes it that much sturdier in the face of danger. Liquid capacity is ~22 oz / 650ml. Works with a standard julep strainer or Hawthorne strainer. *Because of the handmade nature of this product, there may be slight variations from glass to glass. We like to think this adds character. Also available in <a href="https://bull-in-china-pdx.myshopify.com/collections/special-gift-and-startup-sets" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;">The Bull In China Originals Stirred Cocktail Set</a>.

Bell Jiggers

If you’re only going to own one jigger, this bell jigger gets our vote. The ergonomic design makes it easy to use for as long as you’d like. Thanks to its internal markings, you can easily measure anything from .25 oz to a full 2 oz. We believe it’s the most versatile jigger to have behind the bar or at home. While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings. 100% Brass and 100% Copper versions should be treated with a little extra care to prolong their lives. Check out our care page <a href="https://bullinchinapdx.com/pages/copper-brass-barware-care" target="_blank" title="Copper and Brass Care" rel="noopener">here</a>

Gin

gin

Bitters Bottles (50ml)

Hey there, cocktail maestros! Are you ready to make your mixology game smoother than ever with one of our Dasher Bottles? These aren't just any bottles; they're your secret weapon. With their sleek, leak-proof stainless steel threaded tops, you can shake, dash, and pour with confidence, knowing there won't be any messy spills. The precision-engineered spouts ensure you get a perfectly consistent dash every time, making your cocktails not just good, but exceptional. And let's not forget the elegant design that adds a touch of class to your bar setup. These dasher bottles are the unsung heroes of mixology, turning every drink into a masterpiece. <div style="height: 14px;" data-mce-style="height: 14px;"> </div> - Leak-Proof Stainless Steel Threaded Tops: Say goodbye to messy spills and hello to clean, efficient bartending. <div style="height: 14px;" data-mce-style="height: 14px;"> </div> - Consistent Dash Every Time: Precision-engineered spouts ensure your cocktails are perfectly balanced, dash after dash. <div style="height: 14px;" data-mce-style="height: 14px;"> </div> - Elegant Design: Adds a touch of sophistication to your bar, impressing guests before they even take a sip. <div style="height: 14px;" data-mce-style="height: 14px;"> </div> - Durable and Reliable: Built to withstand the rigors of a busy bar, these bottles are as tough as they are stylish. Tops come in silver, copper, gold, and gunmetal black finishes. Sold Individually

Absinthe

absinthe

Steps

Fill with ice

1 min

Fill a mixing glass with ice.

Watch: Ice Addition

Add ingredients

1 min

Add 1.5 oz of gin, 1.5 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Fernet-Branca to the mixing glass.

Watch: Measure Alcohol

Stir

2 mins

Stir the mixture well with a bar spoon until well-chilled.

Watch: Stir

Strain

1 min

Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.

Watch: Straining and Serving

Common Problems

Over-stirring dilutes the Hanky Panky cocktail too much.

Solution: Do not over-stir, as this can dilute the drink excessively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need specific tools like a Bell Jigger and Teardrop Barspoon for this cocktail?

While not strictly mandatory, these tools greatly enhance accuracy and efficiency for a professional-grade drink. A Bell Jigger ensures precise measurements, crucial for balancing strong flavors, while a Teardrop Barspoon offers better control for stirring without over-dilution. For beginners, using proper tools helps achieve consistent and delicious results from the start.

Fernet-Branca sounds intimidating. Is there an alternative, or is it essential for the Hanky Panky?

Fernet-Branca is indeed the signature ingredient that defines the Hanky Panky's unique herbal, menthol, and slightly bitter profile, making it essential for the classic recipe. While you could experiment with other bitter amari, it would result in a significantly different drink. We recommend trying the original first to truly appreciate this classic's distinctive balance.

How do I ensure my Hanky Panky is 'well-chilled' without over-diluting it with ice?

The key is using large, fresh ice cubes in your mixing glass and stirring consistently but not excessively. Stir until the mixing glass feels very cold to the touch and a light frost appears on the outside, which typically takes 30-45 seconds. This ensures optimal chill with minimal unwanted dilution, maintaining the drink's intended strength and flavor.

My Hanky Panky tastes too bitter or medicinal. What went wrong?

This common issue usually stems from either adding too much Fernet-Branca or using old, oxidized sweet vermouth. Fernet is extremely potent, so precise measurement (even half a dash too much can overpower) is critical. Also, ensure your sweet vermouth is fresh and stored properly, as an old bottle can introduce off-flavors that throw the cocktail out of balance.

Is this cocktail truly beginner-friendly, and can I really make it in 20 minutes?

Yes, the Hanky Panky is very beginner-friendly as it's a simple stirred cocktail with only three ingredients and no complex techniques. The '20 minutes' estimated time is quite generous, allowing ample time for gathering ingredients, chilling your glass, and a thorough stirring process. The actual hands-on mixing time is usually under five minutes.

Are there any specific safety precautions I should know when making or consuming this cocktail?

While the preparation is straightforward, remember that this cocktail uses strong spirits, so always consume alcohol responsibly and know your limits. Additionally, handle glassware carefully to prevent breakage, especially when stirring with ice, and ensure your working surface is stable and clear. Proper ice handling also prevents cuts or slips.