The Hanky Panky Seasonal

Ingredients

• 45 ml Juliet Gin
• 45 ml sweet vermouth
• 5 ml Fernet-Branca
• 5 ml cherry liqueur
• 1 dash orange bitters

Method

Stir. Serve in a Coupe or Nick & Nora. Garnish with Orange twist.

Sweet vermouth: Dolin Rouge for a lighter take.

The story

Ada Coleman was head bartender at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel from 1903 to 1925 — one of the most important jobs in the drinking world — and the Hanky Panky was her most celebrated invention. She created it for Sir Charles Hawtrey, the actor, who asked for 'something with a bit of punch in it.' The addition of Fernet-Branca to a sweet martini was her answer. Fernet is not for everyone, and that's precisely why this drink has lasted. It's a gin martini with an amaro spine — bitter, medicinal, complex, and exhilarating. With Juliet Gin's lemon and cherry brightness, the Fernet finds a foil. A spring seasonal variation nudges the proportion toward a floral vermouth and adds a small measure of cherry liqueur to create a conversation between Ada's vision and the season.

Tasting note

Dark amber, aromatic, and complex. The Fernet lurks at the back of the palate rather than dominating, while Juliet Gin's lemon and cherry notes occupy the front of house. Ada Coleman called it a 'little thing of my own.' She undersold it, as usual.