The Hanky Panky

1.5 oz gin (I used Kyoto Distillery Ki No Bi gin but the vermouth and fernet bury a lot of the subtle flavors of this gin. Something like beefeater or tanquray would work just as well. )

1.5 oz sweet vermouth (I used Carpano Antica formula)

2 bar spoons Fernet Branca (original recipe says 2 dashes but I love this stuff. I also like to use a bit more to stand up to the Carpano which is a bully of a vermouth)

stir, strain, express orange and garnish with orange twist or dehydrated orange wheel

this is a classic invented at Savoy London hotel by Ada Coleman, for regular patron Sir Charles Hawtrey. Upon trying the drink for the first time, Hawtrey supposedly exclaimed "thats the real Hanky panky" which was suiting since Hawtrey was a famous actor known for playing suave, debonair, and often immoral characters. The drink is bitter, sweet, and strong. If you tried a negroni or boulevardier and want to continue exploring the world of bitter Italian Amari this is a great next step and introduction to Fernet Branca.

Image and recipe courtesy of @thenickromancer.

@thenickromancer

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