The history of the Hanky Panky cocktail is quite fascinating. It was created by Ada ‘Coley' Coleman, a trailblazing bartender who made her mark in the early 20th century. Coleman was a true pioneer in the bartending world, as she became the first female head bartender at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in London.
During her time at the Savoy, Coleman gained a reputation for her creativity and skill behind the bar. She was known for her ability to craft unique and delicious cocktails, and the Hanky Panky was one of her most famous creations.
The story goes that the Hanky Panky was invented in the early 1900s when a customer asked Coleman to make her a drink that would ‘wake me up and then fk me up.' Coleman took on the challenge and created a cocktail that perfectly balanced sweetness and bitterness, resulting in the Hanky Panky.
The cocktail itself is a variation of a classic Martini, but with a twist. It combines equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, along with a few dashes of Fernet Branca, a bitter herbal liqueur. The addition of Fernet Branca gives the Hanky Panky its distinctive bitter undertones, adding complexity to the otherwise sweet Martini.
The Hanky Panky quickly became a favorite among the Savoy's elite clientele and gained recognition beyond the hotel's walls. Coleman's creation was widely celebrated, and she became renowned for her skill in mixing cocktails. She even earned the title of ‘the finest mixer of cocktails that ever lived' from none other than Harry Craddock, another legendary bartender of the time.
The legacy of the Hanky Panky lives on to this day. It has remained a popular cocktail in the mixology world, with many bartenders paying homage to Coleman's creation by including it on their menus. The balance of sweetness and bitterness in the Hanky Panky continues to be appreciated by cocktail enthusiasts, making it a timeless classic.
In my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of enjoying a Hanky Panky cocktail at a speakeasy-style bar that prides itself on its classic cocktail offerings. The bartender expertly mixed the gin, vermouth, and Fernet Branca, creating a perfectly balanced drink. The herbal notes from the Fernet Branca added a unique depth to the cocktail, while the sweetness of the vermouth and the botanicals in the gin provided a delightful contrast. It was a truly enjoyable and sophisticated drink that showcased the artistry of cocktail making.
The history of the Hanky Panky cocktail is a testament to Ada ‘Coley' Coleman's talent and innovation as a bartender. Her creation has stood the test of time and continues to be appreciated by cocktail lovers around the world. So the next time you're looking for a drink that combines sweetness and bitterness in perfect harmony, give the Hanky Panky a try. Cheers!