Fernet-Branca

Fernet-Branca

Fernet-Branca is a type of bitter, a category of spirit that is flavored with various botanicals. It is produced in Italy and is one of the country's most popular and iconic drinks. The recipe for Fernet-Branca is a secret and has been closely guarded by the Branca family since its creation in 1845.

History

Fernet-Branca was first created in 1845 by Bernardino Branca in Milan, Italy. It was originally marketed as a medicinal product and was used to treat various ailments such as cholera and nervous disorders. The drink quickly gained popularity and by the end of the 19th century, it was being exported to countries all over the world.

Production

The exact recipe for Fernet-Branca is a closely guarded secret and is known only to the members of the Branca family. However, it is known that the drink is made from a variety of herbs, roots, and spices from four continents. These ingredients are macerated in alcohol, then distilled and aged in oak barrels for a year.

Taste and Serving

Fernet-Branca has a very strong, bitter flavor. It is often served as a digestif, a drink consumed after a meal to aid digestion. In Argentina, it is commonly mixed with Coca-Cola and served as a cocktail known as Fernet con Coca.

Health Claims

While Fernet-Branca was originally marketed as a medicinal product, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that it has any health benefits. However, it is still often consumed as a digestif due to its strong, bitter flavor.

See Also

• Amaro (liqueur)
• Digestif
• List of Italian liqueurs