Fernet Branca
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| Type | Amaro bitters (fernet) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fratelli Branca Distillerie |
| Country of origin | Milan, Italy |
| Introduced | 1845 |
| Alcohol by volume | 39% |
| Flavour | Bitter |
Fernet-Branca [ferˈnɛt ˈbraŋka] is a brand of amaro, or bitter herbal liqueur. Bernandino Branca invented the Fernet-Branca bitter in Milan, Italy, in 1845. The brand soon thereafter gained popularity, leading to the founding of the Fratelli Branca Distillery.
Intensely bitter since its inception in 1845, Fernet-Branca has been produced according to the original recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation. The bitters are made from 27 herbs and other ingredients. The exact formula is a trade secret known only to the Fernet-Branca president, Niccolò Branca, who personally measures out the aromatics during the production process.
The same manufacturer also offers a sweeter, mint-flavored liqueur under the label Branca Menta.
As a fernet, the beverage has a higher ABV (39%) and lower sugar content than most other amaros.
Fernet-Branca is often consumed neat as a digestif, typically served in a cordial glass, or as a mixing component (usually supportive and not as the primary ingredient) in cocktails such as the "Toronto", the "Fanciulli", and the more prolific "Hanky Panky".
The beverage was originally promoted for its health benefits including as a remedy for “overeating, flatulence, hangovers, gas pains, (and) lifting yourself off the floor when you’ve mixed oysters and bananas.”
Fernet-Branca has enjoyed a recent growth in popularity in the United States particularly due to an increase in the interest in and mixing/serving of "vintage" cocktails.
In Argentina and Uruguay, "Fernet con Coca"—Fernet-Branca with Coca-Cola—is a popular refreshment.
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