Fernet-Branca sounds like an old vintage car but it is an alcoholic beverage from Italy, that is very popular here in Argentina. In fact it is so popular that a song was written about it!Fernet con coca!What exactly is Fernet-Branca? It is a dark, syrupy alcoholic drink that taste almost like medicine, plants and bitter mud! Coke takes the bitterness away but the undeniable medicine taste will stay. It is an acquired taste that you get used to after some time.
“Even though a number of people have tried, no one has yet found a way to drink for a living.“ ~Jean Kerr
The ingredients are believed to be 27 different herbs and spices taken from four continents. Among the known ingredients are aloe, gentian root, rhubarb, gum myrrh, red cinchona bark, galanga and zedoary.Fratelli Branca Distillerie claim that the recipe has remained unchanged since its invention in 1845. According to the company, Fernet was created by the “self-taught apothecary” Bernardino Branca. The name “Fernet” belonged to a Doctor Fernet, a fictional Swede with whom Branca originally shared the credit for Fernet, presumably to add authority to claims of the drink’s health benefits. The logo, featuring an eagle poised over a globe, was designed in 1893 by Leopoldo Metlicovitz.
When my friends recently visited I asked them if they wanted to try it. I did not tell them what was in this drink or how it tasted. It took a little convincing before they actually took the first sip. I am going to leave you with the photos, which speaks a 1000 words!
Date: 21 October 2011
Where: Santa Rosa de Calamuchita, Argentina
The look on her face says it all, I'm still curious about the taste though.
Hold that bottle! I'm on my way over!
lol It does take a certain taste to enjoy it. It is in a class of liqueurs named Amaro. A herbal liqueur that is usually drank after a meal!!! Very good once you develop a taste for it!! Or at least thats what I have been told !!!!!!! lololol
Ha Ha Ha. Loved how you have given us a step by step picture of the drinking. Gauging by their facial expressions looks like it wasn't great. Well, . . . Joy always,Susan
I wouldn't mind tasting that Nelieta…I like the pictures..
Nelieta, this is terrific! I have never heard of this drink before, not saying that I would even try it after reading your description, but your photos are 'priceless' as you stated. I can only imagine the taste by their expressions. Great post!
I agree Jim and I think if a camera was close by the first time when I tasted it, I would have reacted the same..lol! I have grown used to it over the years…not that I drink it a lot but I will not say "no" to a glass of Fernet y coca! Apparently it is also very popular in San Francisco!
Yes it does! It really does taste like medicine and it is bitter! But if you drink it with Coke it tastes better. I don`t think it is possible to drink it pure.
Have you tried it Jim? I have a bottle…you are welcome!
They did not enjoy it Susan and I don`t think they will try it again..lol! But it is something that is very popular here and I always believe you should try something that is local..they had a taste of Fernet!
If you get an opportunity you should try it! Really it is not that bad 🙂
Thank you Mary! It is an acquired taste and I drink it but on occasion. Once you get over the first taste you will be fine 🙂 The photos are priceless 🙂
Ha, ha, ha, loved their expression!
no thankyou..I'll go for "Coke"..
Priceless expressions…lol…smiling as I type.
LOL…you can never say never..lol!
You are welcome Martha! One of my happy posts and I certainly to giggle every time I see the photos 🙂
Thank you Sulekha 🙂 Glad you liked it 🙂
Oh, too funny!!! Their expressions are priceless!Certainly made me smile today, Nelieta. :)Blessings!
lol I think I'll stick with a glass of wine or some regular beer, thanks! Sounds like an interesting drink to try though. Great post…loved the pics!
lol sound like my granddad's spring tonic, but it had kerosene in it but the facial comments look the same. hope it does not work the same lol god bless
Lol…have you tried your granddad`s spring tonic, Roy? Have a blessed weekend.
Thanks Jessica! I prefer a glass of wine but this is a nice change..lol. They also say it does have medicinal value 🙂
You put it very nicely David! Interesting and complex…yet tasty in it`s own unique way! Oh did I mention it has 43% alcohol? I am sure it can cure any ailment..lol! Thanks for the visit!
What a complex interesting drink…Would probably try a glass to be polite and with my ailments it couldn't hurt lol
🙂
This is great what a wonderful post. Delightful set of photos, the expressions are indeed priceless. <3
Thank you Janaki 🙂
Thank you Jan 🙂 It was great to see this scene…I was laughing so much!
It taste bitter,pic is nice.I like it……………………………….Cheap Flights to Santiago Chile
haha the bottle looks tempting but i can tell from the look of your friends that it's uhmmm…lol
sooo funny! I had the same reaction…….