Fernet (Italian pronunciation: [ferˈnɛt]) is an Italian type of amaro, a bitter, aromatic spirit. Fernet is made from a number of herbs and spices which vary according to the brand, but usually include myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, aloe, and especially saffron, with a base of grape distilled spirits, and colored with caramel coloring.
Fernet is usually served as a digestif after a meal but may also be served with coffee and espresso or mixed into coffee and espresso drinks. It typically contains 45% alcohol by volume. It may be served at room temperature or with ice.
It is very popular in Argentina, where it was introduced by Italians during the Great European immigration wave to the country. It is particularly associated with Córdoba Province, which has been called "the world fernet capital"; almost 3 million litres are consumed there annually, representing just under 30 percent of national consumption. National production is around 25 million liters, 35% sold in Buenos Aires Province and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.Fratelli Branca is by far the most popular brand in the country, leading the market and reaching a "mythical" status. Other popular brands include 1882, Capri, Ramazzotti and Vittone. Fernet is commonly mixed with Coca-Cola. The massively popular drink (Fernet-Cola) was invented during the mid-1980s in Córdoba, encouraged by an advertisement by Fratelli Branca, and spread to Buenos Aires during the 1990s, its popularity growing steadily ever since. In fact, fernet has had the highest growth in consumption in the last 10 years. The popularity of fernet is so strong, that many bars in Buenos Aires have removed it from their menus to encourage consumption of more expensive drinks.