Time for a Bit of Hanky Panky

On our last day in London we toddled off to the British Museum to see Shunga: Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art.

Spectacular ceiling and everything else!

I always love going to the British Museum. First of all, you don't have to pay a penny; but, you can give a donation of your choice, so students, the unemployed, and OAPs needn't give a visit a second thought. Whilst some exhibitions charge, there are still an enormous number of exhibits open to all. All that aside, the building itself worth seeing! You must go the next time you're in London.

Big Ben...Elizabeth Tower, whatever you call it  - it's my favourite clock

After thoroughly enjoying the exhibition - naughty bits and all -  it was nearly Happy Hour, and our friends kindly suggested we hotfoot it over to their hotel and gossip over a drink or two.

Hanky Panky Cocktail

After the titillation of Shunga, I simply had to start with Hanky Panky, created in 1903 right there in The American Bar. It was most refreshing. Here's the recipe from The Savoy Cocktail Book:

Hanky Panky Cocktail

2 Dashes Fernet Branca

1/2 Italian Vermouth

1/2 Dry Gin (they use Blue Sapphire, but you can request your pleasure)

Shake well and strain into cocktail glass. Squeeze orange peel on top. 

That's it! Simple. We started out sitting at a discreet little table, but as the "hour" went on, we moved up to the bar where the shakers cha-cha-ed.

Getting reacquainted with the White Lady.

Round two....I opted for the first drink I ever ordered in a bar...feeling very grown-up and a little overwhelmed, I named the first drink that popped into my head - God knows from where! We became fast friends, the White Lady and I!

Mikhail, my new best friend.

As I did with the most talented & charming bartender! The American Bar is the perfect bar - classic & glamourous Art Deco backdrop, light piano tinkling away, and superb tending! Thank you to our most gracious hosts, L&P...we love you!!

What's your favourite bar?  xoxo