The Hanky Panky Twist Cocktail Recipe

I’m always looking for ways to shake up classic cocktails, even just a little. The Hanky Panky Twist does just that—it holds onto the smooth balance of gin and vermouth but sneaks in something a bit unexpected.

You’ll learn how to make a simple, flavorful drink that feels both familiar and fresh.

This version sticks to the spirit of the original, but there’s a modern edge that’s super easy to enjoy at home. You don’t need any fancy tools or rare bottles—just a few basics and a couple of minutes.

Once you mix it up, you’ll catch how each sip blends herbal notes with a hint of sweetness. It’s honestly a little surprising in the best way.

The Hanky Panky Twist Cocktail Recipe

I like making this drink because gin’s crisp flavor plays so well with a touch of sweetness and some herbal depth. I try to keep everything balanced, measuring each ingredient and sticking to simple tools so the final cocktail comes out smooth and refreshing.

Equipment

To get this cocktail right, I grab a few tools that keep things neat and consistent. Each one helps me with temperature, texture, or just making the drink look good.

• Mixing glass – for stirring and combining the ingredients evenly
• Bar spoon – to stir gently without adding air
• Jigger – for accurate measuring of liquids
• Strainer – to keep ice and herbs out of the final pour
• Chilled coupe or martini glass – to serve the drink cold
• Peeler or small knife – for cutting the orange twist garnish

I always chill my glass before mixing; it really keeps the drink cold longer. Clean tools? They make a bigger difference than you’d think, both for flavor and how the drink looks.

Ingredients

The Hanky Panky Twist uses fresh, balanced ingredients that let both gin and herbal liqueur shine. I’ll pick quality over quantity every time.

• 2 oz gin – a London dry gin works best for a crisp base
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth – adds smooth sweetness and depth
• ¼ oz Fernet-Branca – brings a subtle bitter and herbal note
• 1 dash orange bitters – brightens the flavor
• Orange peel twist – for garnish and aroma

Sometimes I bump up the Fernet-Branca a tiny bit if I’m craving a stronger herbal hit. And if you use fresh vermouth that’s been stored well, the cocktail stays bright and clean.

Instructions

Here’s how I keep the flavor balanced and the drink cold without watering it down.

• Fill the mixing glass with ice.
• Add gin, sweet vermouth, Fernet-Branca, and orange bitters.

I stir for about 20–25 seconds, just until everything feels nice and chilled.

• Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

I express the orange peel over the top to release those oils, then drop it in as garnish.

I never shake this drink—stirring keeps the texture smooth and the color clear. The orange oils? They give off a light citrus scent that just works with those herbal notes.

Notes

This version of the Hanky Panky has a slightly bolder flavor than the original, at least to me. Fernet-Branca adds a dry, minty edge that balances out the vermouth’s sweetness.

I like to serve it before dinner since it really gets the appetite going. If I want something a little lighter, I’ll just cut back on the Fernet-Branca.

Keeping everything well chilled and using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference in how clean and refreshing it tastes.

Tasting Notes

I get this clean, herbal aroma right away from the Hanky Panky Twist. The gin jumps out first, then there’s this soft sweetness—probably the vermouth doing its thing.

A hint of citrus sneaks in, brightening things up without taking over.

First sip? I’m hit by a smooth mix of botanical, bitter, and sweet flavors. The gin’s juniper flavor really mingles with the vermouth’s gentle spice, and the twist gives it just a bit of tang.

It’s honestly pretty well balanced and super easy to drink.

The texture comes off as silky, but there’s still a little bite from the alcohol. I like that the bitterness hangs around just enough to keep me coming back for another sip.

The finish? It’s crisp and dry, with this faint herbal aftertaste—kind of like orange peel and maybe a touch of mint.

Honestly, I’d say this cocktail works best as a slow sipper. It’s refreshing, but there’s still plenty going on to make it interesting if you’re just relaxing on your own.