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{bitter,herbal,menthol,intense}

Fernet-Branca Shot

Italy's bitter digestivo—an intense herbal experience beloved by bartenders worldwide

herbal-liqueurEasy~25% ABV
MethodPourGlassShot GlassIcenoneGarnishnone
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • ozfernet branca(served neat at room temperature or slightly chilled)
Tools
Instructions
  1. 1Pour Fernet-Branca into shot glass
  2. 2Serve at room temperature (traditional) or slightly chilled
  3. 3Take as a single shot after dinner
  4. 4The intense bitterness gives way to cooling menthol
  5. 5Follow with espresso if desired (Italian tradition)
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History & Origin

Fernet-Branca was created in Milan in 1845 by Bernardino Branca using a secret recipe of 27 herbs and spices. Originally marketed as a medicine, it became Italy's beloved digestivo—the bitter shot that settles the stomach after a rich meal. The tradition spread to Argentina through Italian immigrants, where it's mixed with Coca-Cola. Among bartenders, ordering Fernet is a sign of industry kinship, a bitter handshake between professionals.

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Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

{bitter,herbal,menthol,intense}Pour