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.

History

Fernet-Branca was formulated in Milan, Italy, in 1845 by a self-taught herbalist, Bernardino Branca, who with his sons set up a business to manufacture and sell it. It was marketed as a pick-me-up and as a cure for worms, for fever, for cholera, and for menstrual pain. From 1886 the company published annual calendars with works by well-known artists. The eagle-and-globe logo was designed in 1893 by Leopoldo Metlicovitz. The company began exporting to Argentina in 1907, and in 1925 established a distillery in Buenos Aires. In the United States the drink became popular after the passage of prohibition laws in 1919, as it was sold in pharmacies as a medicinal product. By 1936 Branca had set up a branch office in Tribeca, New York, to satisfy American demand. Production in the United States peaked at 60,000 cases in 1960.

Formulation

Fernet-Branca is produced according to the original recipe of 1845. It is made from 27 herbs and other ingredients; the exact formula is a trade secret. Sources have reported that its recipe includes Chinese rhubarb, Aloe ferox (bitter aloe), cinchona, chocolate, quinine, and angelica. According to the Branca website, the drink contains " ... rhubarb from China, gentian from France, galanga from India or from Sri Lanka, (and) chamomile from Europe [or] Argentina", as well as linden (Tiliae flos), iris, saffron, zedoary, myrrh, and cinchona. Fernet-Branca has a higher alcohol content, at 39%, and lower sugar content than most other amari. It is aged in oak barrels for a year. The manufacturer also offers a sweeter, mint-flavoured liqueur, Branca Menta.

Consumption

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.