What’s in a hanky panky?

Answered by Daniel Conrad

When it comes to the ingredients of a Hanky Panky cocktail, there are a few key components that come together to create a harmonious and delicious drink. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experimenting with various and can provide a detailed answer to the question of what's in a Hanky Panky.

The main ingredients of a Hanky Panky cocktail are , sweet , and Fernet-Branca. Each of these ingredients brings its own unique characteristics and flavors to the drink, resulting in a well-balanced and complex cocktail.

1. Gin: This clear spirit is the base of the Hanky Panky cocktail. It provides a botanical and juniper-forward flavor profile, which adds depth and complexity to the drink. The choice of gin can greatly influence the overall taste of the cocktail, so it's important to choose a gin that you enjoy and that complements the other ingredients.

2. Sweet Vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified that is flavored with various botanicals, herbs, and spices. In the case of the Hanky Panky, sweet vermouth is used to add a touch of sweetness and richness to the cocktail. The vermouth also contributes to the overall complexity of the drink, with its herbal and slightly undertones.

3. Fernet-Branca: Fernet-Branca is a bitter herbal that originated in Italy. It is known for its intense and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of mint, spices, and bitter herbs. In the Hanky Panky cocktail, Fernet-Branca adds a distinctive and bold element, balancing out the sweetness of the vermouth and adding a unique twist to the drink.

In addition to these main ingredients, some recipes for the Hanky Panky may also call for a dash of orange bitters or an orange twist as a garnish. These additions can further enhance the flavors of the cocktail and provide a hint of citrus brightness.

It's also worth noting that the proportions of each ingredient can vary slightly depending on personal preference. Some recipes may call for equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca, while others may suggest a different ratio. I believe that experimenting with different ratios is part of the fun of cocktail making, as it allows you to tailor the drink to your own taste preferences.

A Hanky Panky cocktail typically consists of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. These ingredients come together to create a complex and well-balanced drink, with the gin providing a botanical base, the vermouth adding sweetness and richness, and the Fernet-Branca contributing a bold and herbal twist. The addition of orange bitters or an orange twist can further enhance the flavors of the cocktail. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a sophisticated and flavorful drink, give the Hanky Panky a try and enjoy the delightful combination of these carefully selected ingredients.