She Strengthens

The Enigmatic Fernet: A Drink Like No Other

A Cure-All Concoction

Fernet, a mysterious and potent elixir, has been sipped on for generations to combat food comas, digestive woes, and even hangovers. But what exactly is in this enigmatic drink? With an average of 40% alcohol content, it’s unlikely you’ll down a whole glass in one sitting. Instead, each brand crafts its unique blend of over 20 herbs and spices, including cardamom, myrrh, chamomile, peppermint, saffron, menthol, and cloves. This intriguing mixture has earned fernet a legendary reputation worldwide.

A Taste Divided

To say fernet is an acquired taste is an understatement. Bartenders and Italian restaurateurs alike will attest that patrons either can’t get enough of this minty herbal amaro or despise it. The drink’s creation dates back to 1845 in Milan, where Bernardino Branca founded Fratelli Branca and created Fernet-Branca. Initially conceived as a cure for cholera, Italians believed the herbs would stimulate hunger in the sick.

Global Influences

Today, fernet remains a beloved digestif in Italy and Italian restaurants worldwide. The current recipe, still a family secret, incorporates ingredients from around the globe, such as aloe from South Africa, rhubarb from China, and chamomile from Italy.

An Argentinian Twist

In the 20th century, Italian immigrants brought fernet to Argentina, where it became a cultural staple. To balance out the bitter taste, Argentinians began mixing fernet with Coca-Cola, giving birth to the national cocktail, Fernando. The drink gained such popularity that a rock band even wrote a theme song: Fernet con Coca. Today, Argentina is the largest consumer of fernet, with its own Fratelli Branca distillery outside of Milan.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties

During Prohibition, San Francisco made an exception for fernet due to its supposed medicinal properties. Advertisements touted its ability to aid digestion, reduce fever, and alleviate pain. While the effectiveness of these benefits is debated, fernet’s low sugar content and abundance of herbs make it appealing to health-conscious individuals.

A Lifestyle Born

Fernet enthusiasts flock to the West Coast, where mixologists craft unique cocktails featuring this enigmatic drink. Often referred to as “the Bartender’s Handshake,” requesting a shot of fernet signals insider status among industry insiders. If you’re new to fernet, try an Industry Sour or Hanky Panky to take the edge off. And if you’re brave enough, do the shot – your bartender will have a newfound respect for you, and you might just feel better in the morning. Salute!