Hanky Panky cocktail celebrated with national day
The first World Hanky Panky Day will take place on 25 March as a tribute to Ada Coleman, the woman who created the cocktail at The Savoy in the early 1900s.
This March, coinciding with International Women’s Month, global drinks industry community Celebrate Her has teamed up with Asterley Bros English Vermouth and Cygnet Gin to showcase the Hanky Panky, which is considered to be one of the most iconic cocktails in history.
Collaborating with some of today’s ‘most inspirational’ bartending teams, the new national day will see the Hanky Panky celebrated and showcased at a selection of the UK’s most respected bars, from The Savoy’s American Bar and Raffles Spy Bar to Adam Handling’s Eve Bar and the newly opened Cato.
Created in the 1900s by Ada Coleman, head bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar and one of the first female bartenders in London, The Hanky Panky has stood the test of time thanks to its ‘intriguing’ mix of flavours and its iconic conception, which is steeped in cocktail history.
The cocktail is a mix of equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, with a small amount of Fernet for its signature bitter kick, and garnished with an orange twist to balance the flavours.
It is said that Coleman made the drink for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, who, upon trying it exclaimed “By Jove! That’s the real hanky-panky!”
Anna Sebastian, founder of Celebrate Her and Anna Sebastian Hospitality, started her hospitality career at The Savoy in 2010 in the American Bar. She said: “It is such a full circle moment to be able to be part of World Hanky Panky Day. Having started my career at the American Bar, Ada Coleman truly led and paved the way for me and many women in the drinks industry. So while this is a nod to the past, it really is a look towards the future of women in the drinks industry. World Hanky Panky Day is the perfect way to celebrate and raise a toast.”
In order to mark Coleman’s legacy and champion ‘a truly British Hanky Panky’, Celebrate Her has teamed up with English producer Asterley Bros, and its Britannica Fernet and Estate Vermouth, as well as Cygnet 22 Welsh Dry Gin.
Robert and Jim Berry of Asterley Bros said: “This iconic cocktail, born and raised in the capital much like Asterley Bros, is a symbol of inclusion and diversity in the global bar scene, and one that underlines the huge contribution made by female bartenders.
“We love the layers of complexity and symbolism in the Hanky Panky, and with Asterley Bros’ Britannica Fernet it’s finally possible to serve up a 100% British expression for the very first time.”
Cygnet Gin founder Katherine Jenkins OBE added: “I’m thrilled that Cygnet is part of celebrating the incredible women who’ve shaped cocktail culture. As a female founder in spirits, I know how important it is to honour the women who paved the way and those leading the industry today.
“Creating Cygnet was about demanding better – uncompromising standards in every bottle. Let’s raise a glass to craft, legacy, and the women who continue to push boundaries.”
To make the official World Hanky Panky Day serve, The Truly British Hanky Panky, you will need:
- 40ml Cygnet 22 Welsh Dry Gin
- 40ml Asterley Bros Estate Sweet Vermouth
- 7ml Asterley Bros Britannica London Fernet
Garnish with an expressed orange coin and serve in a chilled Martini or coupe glass.
For details on participating bars and Hanky Panky serves, visit the official website www.worldhankypankyday.com or follow on Instagram @worldhankypankyday.
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