Fernet Branca
By Asado Argentina on Jan 30, 2007 in Drinks
The mainstream media is filled with articles these days about how you must try the beef and wine in Argentina. You must have a steak and malbec they say. Do they mention beer? Maybe. Fernet? I have yet to see it. Probably because these journalists haven’t enjoyed an asado in someone’s backyard or quincho (the indoor barbecue party playroom).
Although Fernet may be spotted at tables in parrilla restaurants, you don’t see it as often there as you do at a personal asado gathering. Where you’ll usually find a few guys at one end of the table having a lively discussion while ever so often refilling their glasses with this dark thick liquid-sometimes with a touch of Coca-Cola. Some start with Fernet and stick with it from the beginning to end while others crack open the bottle when no more meat will be consumed.
Fernet Branca, that’s what I’m talking about. If you’ve never tried it or anything similar, well, you need to take a swig at least once in your life. However, that first taste will probably bring back memories of your early life when you experimented with the taste of rubber bands. Some love it while others hate it with a passion that will even make a grown man cringe upon taking a whiff of this herbal alcoholic beverage. Me, although it isn’t something that is always stocked in the bar, I like it on occasion. A long time passed before I reached that point, let me tell you.
Give it a try. It’ll grow hair on your chest.
I do remember Fernet Branca very fondly… fortunately, it can be purchased in the USA… we used to mix about 1 oz of Fernet with a bottle of Coca-Cola.. it was a great summer drink!
What I really miss is Ferroquina Bisleri… I’ve been looking for it for decades!!!
If you know where to get it and you let me know, I’ll definitely appreciate…
Great site!
Cordially,
O.
orlando | Jan 30, 2007 | Reply
When describing the taste of Fernet Branca, I usually use one word:
“Catholicism”
Mainly I’m just trying to be enigmatic
The reason I say it, though, is that I think it tastes the same as incense smells, as in the incense that was burnt in Church services during my Catholic upbringing.
But rubber bands is of course another good attempt at describing this strange but intriguing taste.
Alan Patrick | Jan 30, 2007 | Reply
orlando:
I’ll check around for that, but I can’t recall ever seeing it.
Alan:
Now that you mention it you’re right. Does have the same smell now that I think about it. I knew there was something familiar.
Asado Arg | Jan 31, 2007 | Reply
Hi-
I came across your blog and love it! I’d like to link to it if you don’t mind. My blog is http://www.emac-adventure.blogspot.com
Thanks!!
Erin | Feb 15, 2007 | Reply
Talk about timing! I just had it for the first time today. WOW.
matt | Feb 15, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Erin!
Excellent Matt, but go easy now
. Been following your posts, looks like you’re having a blast up there.
Asado Arg | Feb 16, 2007 | Reply
Fernet is a strange beast but so beloved by the Argentines, but ALWAYS with Coca Cola, never in shot form. I always tell visitors that the first one is the hardest to handle but that if they really want to experience Argentina, an F&C is called for. I also find that the typical Argentine ratio of Fernet to Coke is about 30% Fernet, and the rest Coke with a slight dash of Fernet on top at the end to kill the head.
There was a big Fernet craze in San Francisco a few years back but that seems to have died down. Read about it here
Goyo | Feb 23, 2007 | Reply
http://sfweekly.com/2005-12-07/news/the-myth-of-fernet/
Goyo | Feb 23, 2007 | Reply
Hey Goyo. Thanks for the SF article, interesting read.
>kill the head
Good of you to bring that up, I should’ve included a warning about the head of this beast. Not only is it not enjoyable to drink through but I can’t count how many times I’ve made a mess by mixing too quickly.
Asado Arg | Feb 23, 2007 | Reply
How about “Branca Menta”? Is made by the same company, almost the same plants inside, but with extra mint and less alcohol. With some Sprite and ice + lemon juice is very refreshing. Actually now I like it more than the normal Fernet.
catalin | Apr 22, 2007 | Reply
Hi Catalin,
You know, I tried it once but can’t remember the taste. Not sure why I never tried it again and I always look at it when I’m at the store. I’ll pick up a small bottle one of these days and give my input here.
Asado Arg | Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
ACK!! PHTBBBB! Smells like wet cement and tastes even worse than Killepitsch which I thought was the worst drink ever……just shows, everything is relative!
slofox | Jun 29, 2007 | Reply
where can i find a bottle of Fernet Branca in soutern california?
Franklin | Sep 7, 2007 | Reply
Hi Franklin,
I would think any large or well-stocked liquor store would have it. I just checked bevmo.com and they have a couple available. I also see that they have a bunch of stores in CA.
Asado Arg | Sep 10, 2007 | Reply
I was first introduced to it in the Bahama’s. I had a very bad cold and a fever. Drink it in hot water and my temp was back to normal in less than 2 hours. Good for sore throats also. Actually I heard it is good for a lot of health problems.
Jo Giovannoni | Nov 26, 2007 | Reply
Downed so much of this in Cordoba(where the drink the most).Right the first one is a little strange,but after that it’s addictive.They also mix it with cinzano and lemon juice at the Sunday Asado!
Ian G. | Dec 2, 2007 | Reply
Hi Jo, I’ll have to try mixing with hot water next time I’m sick!
Haven’t tried that combo Ian but sounds interesting.
Asado Arg | Dec 3, 2007 | Reply
My dad is from switzerland and has always used a shot or two straight to settle an upset stomach. Seriously I always think I’m gonna heave when I even smell, let alone taste it. But, it always has worked. Never knew it helped with colds! It must be the herbs.
heather | Dec 19, 2007 | Reply