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Home » What is Fernet? An Introductory Guide to the Popular Italian Digestif

What is Fernet? An Introductory Guide to the Popular Italian Digestif

March 2, 2023 - Tips & Tidbits With: Liqueur

Have you ever heard of Fernet? This mysterious Italian digestif has been gaining traction in the cocktail world and beyond, but what exactly is it? Get ready to discover the sweet and bitter flavours of this fascinating tipple with our introductory guide.

Sweet and Herbaceous: An Introduction to Fernet

Fernet is a unique Italian digestif liqueur made with an array of herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients. The recipe may vary depending on the brand, but generally includes saffron, rhubarb root, chamomile flowers, gentian root extract, myrrh resinoid extract and more. Its flavor profile consists of sweet notes like caramelized sugar or licorice intertwined with bold flavors from its herbal components. It’s often referred to as “the bartender’s handshake” due to its popularity among bar professionals. This delicious dark spirit has been enjoyed for centuries by many in Italy and around the world!

Drinks With Fernet

Fernet can be used as an ingredient in a wide variety of drinks including classics like the Manhattan or Negroni cocktails. It can also be served neat over ice or combined with soda water for a refreshing spritzer-style drink called Fentimans Tonic Water & Fernet-Branca® or simply “Fernet & Tonic”. Some even serve it as a shot after dinner for those who appreciate its intense yet complex flavor. There are so many ways to enjoy this special spirit!

Enjoying Your Own Bottle Of Fernet

If you’re looking to buy your own bottle of Fernet there are plenty of brands available online such as Averna®, Ramazzotti®, Luxardo® , Bols® , Fratello®, Nardini® etc.. You’ll want to try them all out until you find one that suits your taste buds perfectly! No matter which brand you choose you’ll always get that unique blend of sweetness and herbaceousness that defines this wonderful Italian digestif liqueur. So grab yourself a bottle today – cheers!

An Unexpectedly Refreshing Beverage

What is Fernet?
Fernet is a relatively unknown spirit that has been popping up in various bars and liquor stores recently. It’s an herbal liqueur, typically produced with a base of brandy or grape-based spirits, flavored with an array of spices such as gentian root, myrrh, rhubarb, and saffron. This results in a pungent yet surprisingly refreshing flavor that many liken to black licorice or other bold flavors like mint or cardamom. Despite its intense taste profile, it actually has quite low alcohol content—typically around 30%.
How Do You Drink It?
Fernet can be enjoyed neat on the rocks for those who appreciate the strong flavors but for those looking for something more approachable there are plenty of ways to drink it. One popular way is mixing it into cocktails where its boldness can help balance out some sweeter ingredients; try adding it to your favorite whiskey sour recipe for an unexpected kick! Another great option is served as a fernet cola: mix equal parts fernet and cola over ice and add a lime wedge if desired. The sweetness of the cola helps mellow out the intensity while still keeping all its unique flavor notes intact.
Why Should I Try It?
If you’re searching for something new and different than what you usually drink then give Fernet a chance! Its complex tastes make it perfect for experienced drinkers looking to explore deeper into their palates but also approachable enough even if you’re just starting out with spirits. Plus Fernets versatility makes creating drinks much easier since one bottle can easily fit into multiple types of recipes without compromising its flavor profile too much. So go ahead—give this mysterious liqueur a shot!

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