The original Hanky Panky was created by the legendary Ada “aka Coley” Coleman while head bartender at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in the early 1900s. It’s  pretty amazing to think that a woman held sway over such a fine establishment at a time that only men ruled the roost behind the stick. But rule Coley did, serving drinks to the likes of Mark Twain, the Prince of Wales and Edwardian actor Charles Hawtrey, who inspired the Hanky Panky.

I changed things up a bit by using Mr. Katz Rock & Rye instead of Gin and adding a bit more Fernet Branca then what was called for in the original. The smooth, slightly sweet rye plays well with the vermouth and the herbal notes in the Fernet Branca. A squeeze of orange adds a bit of acidity to lift and brighten.

In honor of Valentine’s Day (and Ada),  I’m calling this sweet and spicy tipple Hanky Panky, but, with a certain Mr., Katz that is!

Hanky Panky with a Certain Mr.

2 oz. Mr. KATZ rock and rye
2 oz. Cocchi Vermouth
2 bar spoons Fernet Branca
1 squeeze fresh orange wedge
Build over ice in shaker, stir well with spoon and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with orange peel.