Fernet is an odd and quirky spirit that seems to have captured the interest of imbibers around the world. Revered for its feisty and bitter taste, Fernet belongs to a category of Italian herbal digestives known as amaro. Not tied down to the shackles of anything that can define it, this odd fellow rocks the status quo with its quirky taste and flexibility in mixed drinks. In this article, we closely examine the history, expressions, and drinks using Fernet. A newbie or an expert—there is always much to learn about this amazing spirit.
What is Fernet?
A fernet is a type of bitter, aromatic spirit made of a variety of herbs and spices. What goes into fernat varies by producer, but the ingredients commonly include myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, aloe, and saffron. The most well-known brand is Fernet Branca, established in Milan, Italy, in 1845. Fernet Branca can be a brand name for the spirit, and at times, its full name is a bit archaic. It would normally be between 39 and 45% in alcohol content, thus making it a very strong drink, and usually drunk in small quantities.
Fernet Branca: A Timeless Classic
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Fernet Branca is the most renowned brand of Fernat. It is a cultural classic, with a following that considers it the epitome of perfection. With its green label and an eagle as a logo, noble and known worldwide, Fernat Branca is a family secret. The multi-dimensional taste comes from the infusion of 27 herbs and spices from four continents. The crossing of constituents is the key for this most recognizable bitterness and aromatic nature with Fernat Branca.
Fernet Branca Cocktails
Fernet Branca is quite multifaceted and can be enjoyed in several applications. Some decide to serve it straight up, or on the rocks, but truly shines in cocktails. A few of the most prevalent and best known Fernat Branca cocktails are:
Fernet and Coke (Fernet con Coca)
Fernat Branca is known for its use in this next drink: Fernet con Coca. This simple cocktail is loved in Argentina, so much so that more Fernet is used in Argentina than in any other country in the world. Simply fill a glass with ice, pour in a shot of Fernat Branca, and top your glass off with Coca-Cola. That’s it. The cola’s sweetness perfectly complements the Fernet’s bitterness, creating harmony.
Toronto Cocktail
The Toronto Cocktail is a classic cocktail, taking the no-nonsense flavor of Fernat Branca and pairing it with a smooth rye whiskey. To create a Toronto Cocktail, follow these steps:
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1/4 ounce Fernet Branca
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Combine the rye, Fernet, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Express and garnish with a lemon twist. The Toronto Cocktail is a bold, complex, and refined drink that brings the unique qualities of Fernat Branca to the forefront.
Hanky Panky
A classic cocktail featuring Fernat Branca, the drink hails from Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London. To make the Hanky Panky, combine:
- 1½ oz gin
- 1½ oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Fernat Branca
in a mixing glass packed with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a thin orange twist for garnish. The combination of gin, vermouth, and Fernet Branca creates a complex and aromatic cocktail that impresses.
Exploring Other Fernet Varieties
While Fernat Branca is the best-known brand, other brands and varieties of Fernet should be tasted. Each brand has its unique flavor and taste. Fernet Buhero from South America is always preferred, and it tastes a bit sweeter than Fernat Branca. This Buhero is taken in the same way and with the same rituals as Fernat Branca, that is, straight or in cocktails. It can be quite fascinating to experiment with different brands of Fernat since one might wish to get a variety of flavors.
The Culture of Fernet
Since Fernet is an alcoholic drink, there are affiliations of culture in the places it is made. In Argentina, Fernat Branca is such an icon that it had been named a national drink. It is a perception of local identity for people in these regions, and it is taken for a norm when people are having social events and national festivities, where it would be mixed with Coca-Cola. This tradition has made drinking Fernat con Coca the most habitual thing in the history of Argentinians and is used as a concept to show to the world that they have local identities. This cultural affinity puts more value in the experience.
Fernet Branca 750: The Standard Bottle Size
If you’re a lover, it follows that you’ll pick up a bottle of Fernet Branca in the 750 ml size. The perfect bottle for everyone, whether a casual drinker or an amateur putting together one’s favorite cocktails at home. Also, it’s easy to share with friends during a social gathering. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone nearby, the 750 ml bottle is one great bottle that will make heads turn. Serving Fernat Branca in the 750s in the striking design, you shall be considered well-inspired in your home liquor collection.
How to Enjoy Fernet Branca
Use it for plenty of sky Fernat Branca ways, all depending on your likes and preferences. Some people drink it neat or on the rocks. Just sip and savor the complexity of flavors. It can be used in a cocktail to give depth and complexity. People sometimes use Fernat Branca as a digestif, sipped slowly after a meal. This is truly a unique and unforgettable drinking experience.
The Growing Popularity of Fernet
The Popularity of Fernat has been growing very fast over the past few decades, especially among cocktail bartenders and enthusiasts, for whom its sharply bitter flavor has an appeal that is impossible to imitate. In the same way, people discover a certain taste in Fernat Branca and the other varieties more and more in-depth, the more the rapid-recent popularity increases. Whether one is a tried-and-true drinker or entirely new to the spirit, there has never been a better time to explore the world of this.
The Bottom Line
This is a unique spirit with a great history and a profile of flavor that is distinct as well as proud. Of course, Fernat Branca is the flagship and most renowned brand: very complex herbs and spices contribute to its bold and bitter flavor. Whether you’re drinking Fernat con Coca or mixing a classic cocktail like the Toronto or Hanky Panky, there are so many ways to enjoy this incredible spirit. With Fernet’s popularity ever rising, now is the best time to discover this bitterly bold taste. Whether you want it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, thsi will surely provide a unique and memorable drinking experience.
