Fernet-Branca is an Italian brand of fernet, a style of amaro or bitters. It was formulated in Milan in 1845, and is manufactured there by Fratelli Branca Distillerie.
Fernet-Branca ad posters in the early 20th century
Fernet-Branca is often consumed neat as a digestif, or as a mixing component (usually supportive and not as the primary ingredient) in cocktails such as the Toronto.
In Argentina fernet con coca–Fernet-Branca with Coca-Cola–is a popular drink. Some sources report that over 75% of all fernet produced worldwide is consumed there.
In the United States it has been referred to as “The Bartender’s Handshake”. It is estimated that 35% of all Fernet-Branca imported into the US is consumed in San Francisco.
Here below is a set of amazing ad posters of Fernet-Branca in the early 20th century.
Fernet Branca Bitters, The Three Graces Cocktail, circa 1900
Fernet Branca-Indispensabile in tutte le famiglie, circa 1900
Leave a Reply