To mark the conclusion of International Women’s Month, The Savoy Hotel in London hosted the inaugural World Hanky Panky Day, celebrating one of the most enduring cocktails in history and the remarkable woman behind it, Ada Coleman.

In partnership with Gin Guild members Cygnet Gin and Asterley Bros English Vermouth, the event paid tribute to Coleman, who became The Savoy’s first female Head Bartender in the early 20th century.

Her creation, the Hanky Panky, was originally crafted for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey and has since secured its place as a staple of the classic cocktail canon.

World Hanky Panky Day with Peter Dorelli

More than a century on, the drink remains a symbol of innovation and balance, combining gin, vermouth and a touch of Asterley Bros’ Britannica Fernet to create a distinctive and enduring serve.

The occasion brought together a host of leading bartenders (including Gin Guild members Peter Dorelli and Pippa Guy), who gathered to raise a Hanky Panky in honour of Coleman’s legacy and her lasting influence on the global bar community.

The celebration not only recognised a pioneering figure in hospitality, but also highlighted the continued importance of championing women’s contributions to the drinks industry – past, present and future.