Why is the cocktail called the Hanky Panky?
The Hanky Panky is a cocktail that was created by Ada Coleman, who was the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London during the early 1900s. It is said that the cocktail got its name from one of Ada Coleman’s regular customers, Sir Charles Hawtrey, an actor and comedian, who tasted the drink and exclaimed, “By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!”
The term “hanky-panky” was slang for “shenanigans” or “monkey business” during that time period. It’s possible that Sir Charles Hawtrey used the term to describe the effect the cocktail had on him or the fun and playful nature of the drink. Regardless of the reason, the name stuck, and the Hanky Panky became a popular cocktail that is still enjoyed today.