Enjoy a little Hanky Panky at the North Coast Café
A complex, spirit-forward cocktail with an Exmoor edge
There’s something quietly exciting about introducing a new cocktail that feels both classic and unexpected. That’s exactly how we’d describe the Hanky Panky, the newest addition to the cocktail menu at North Coast Café.
It is strong, elegant, slightly mysterious, and just the right kind of bold for when the café lights soften and the rhythms take over.
A short history
The Hanky Panky dates back to the early 1900s. It was created by Ada Coleman, one of the first female head bartenders at London’s Savoy Hotel. Legend has it, she served it to a regular who exclaimed, “By Jove! That’s the real hanky panky!”
What she had done was take a dry gin Martini and give it a sly, herbal twist. The result was a drink that stayed clean and crisp, but with something deeper and more intriguing.
What’s in it?
The Hanky Panky is a spirit-forward cocktail, and a close cousin of the Martini. It contains:
Gin – crisp and botanical
Sweet Vermouth – rich and warming
Fernet Branca – the key to its herbal depth
It is served straight up in a chilled Nick & Nora glass with a simple orange twist.
What is Fernet Branca?
Fernet Branca is a bitter Italian amaro, made with more than two dozen herbs and spices including saffron, myrrh, and mint. On its own, it is sharp, dry and mentholated. But used in small amounts, like in the Hanky Panky, it brings something entirely different.
It adds complexity, length, and a cool finish to the cocktail. Think herbal depth with just enough bite to make the next sip more interesting than the last.
Martini-style cocktails at North Coast Café
If you enjoy the Hanky Panky, you might also like these:
Vesper Martini
gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc. Clean, strong, and sharply dressed.
French Martini
vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice. Smooth, fruity, and indulgent.
White Negroni
gin, Lillet Blanc and dry vermouth. Pale, floral, and precise.
Negroni Bianco
made with Italicus and dry vermouth. Delicate, citrus-led and quietly complex.
Why drink a Hanky Panky?
Because it is not obvious, but it is brilliant.
Because it is bitter and bright, with a clean finish.
Because it is confident without being loud.
And because it lingers just long enough to make you want another.
When to enjoy a bit of Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky is traditionally served as an aperitif, but it fits beautifully after dinner, or even mid-conversation.
It is crisp and balanced, making it a fine companion for both food and quiet moments.
And yes, we believe it is perfectly fine to enjoy with a toasted bagel or one of our delicious speciality scones. No judgment here.
