Hanky Panky and Hendrick’s Gin – a winning combination
In the Victorian era, washing in chamomile was believed to attract new love – and with new love often follows a bit of hanky panky, no? Immersed in mischievousness, Hendrick’s Gin invites you to construct the Hanky Panky Martini, whether you have someone to love or not.
Among Hendrick’s Gin’s signature botanicals is chamomile, from the family of Asteraceae, commonly used as a medicinal herb. Frances A. Bardswell’s Herb Garden (1911) states that chamomile has a remarkable effect on other plants and calls it the “plant’s physician”. Furthermore, the plant was also said to prevent nightmares, and help put one into a deep slumber.
The Hanky Panky Martini, however, is not made to put you to sleep. Quite the opposite, in fact! This glorious tipple is made up of the Fernet Branca, a bitter aromatic spirit that has chamomile in it.
The Martini, which Hendrick’s Gin describes as the singing symphony of liquid, was described as “the elixir of quietude” by author E. B. White. The origin story of this drinkable poem is a contentious issue and as emotive and important a subject as how best to prepare the drink itself.
Since its invention sometime in the 19th century, the Martini has slinked across our collective imagination in literature, cinema and song. Here we meet the flavours of gin in a primal pure form. The Hanky Panky Martini is a melodious master and an unusually unique take on a true classic – further heightened when it entertains Hendrick’s Gin herself, along with infusions of fresh orange juice and sweet vermouth.
This tipple is utterly harmonious with the rich herbal tones and dashes of Fernet Branca, making up a liquid orchestra of flavours. The Hanky Panky Martini is enough to linger and seduce the palate with a dazzling ensemble of a classic twist – and perhaps help you to seduce that lover of yours?
Hanky Panky Martini
Ingredients:
40ml Hendrick’s Gin
40ml Sweet Vermouth
A dash of Fernet Branca
8ml fresh orange juice
Preparation:
Shake all ingredients up over ice and strain into chilled coupette. Garnish with orange zest.
