Lulu's Rhubarb Hanky Panky
COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 25 ml Vodka
- 25 ml Dry Vermouth
- 50 ml Rhubarb Syrup
- 1 Dash of Fernet-Branca
GARNISH:
- Sprig of Mint
- Orange Twist
INSTRUCTIONS:
• For my Rhubarb Syrup recipe see my previous post on Rhubarbarism.
• Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass.
• Add ice and stir for 30-45 sec. or approx. 60 revolutions.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist and a sprig of mint.
Cocktail author: Will Weir (Lulu’s, London)
Hanky Panky is a cocktail with a rather long and lovely history and while Lulu’s Rhubarb version, in my opinion, is similar to its predecessor in name only, it is just as tasty and surprising. Certainly, worth trying out.
Base spirit of the cocktail is vodka – crisp and clean spirit providing that familiar signature burn and blending well with other ingredients. Dry vermouth brings delicate herbal tones and subtle freshness of lemon to the mix elevating the overall taste complexity. Rhubarb syrup is the clear star of this drink. It adds some well-balanced fruitiness quickly overtaking as the main flavour. (I used my own undiluted rhubarb syrup that is full of summer flavor.) A dash of Fernet works as a gentle nod to the original Hanky Panky providing the bitter spice taming the tartness of rhubarb and rounding off the cocktail.
Lulu's Rhubarb Hanky Panky is a delicious summer sipper with a subtle and complex taste profile. Absolutely worth a try, especially with some home-made rhubarb syrup.