Fernet-Branca Liqueur

Bartenders call a shot of Fernet-Branca "the bartender's handshake," and in Argentina people drink it long, with cola, by the glass. It was created in Milan in 1845, and the Branca family still owns it. The recipe uses 27 herbs, roots and spices from around the world, the exact formula is secret, and the blend rests at least a year in oak before bottling.

This is the dry, bracing end of amaro: menthol and fresh mint first, then dried herbs, bitter orange and clove, finishing long and bitter with a little honey underneath. It is 39% alcohol.

If you want bitter without the menthol, try Amaro Nonino first. If you already know you love Fernet, nothing else quite replaces it.

Serve it neat after a big meal, or Argentine-style, long over ice with cola.

More amari are under liqueurs and cordials. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens.