Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky cocktail was created by legendary bartender Ada Coleman, who worked in the American Bar of the famous Savoy Hotel in London in the early 20th century. According to legend, one of the bar's regulars, the famous actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, asked for a different and energetic drink to be prepared for him. Ada Coleman added a few drops of Fernet-Branca to the classic gin and vermouth mix, creating an unusual aromatic touch. After taking the first sip, the actor marveled, "By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!", almost naming the drink after himself. In British slang, this expression means "an unexpected but impressive trick". The cocktail soon became one of the most famous drinks at the Savoy Bar and earned a permanent place in classic cocktail culture.