Beyond the usual after-dinner drink: Fernet-Branca's versatility between tradition and mixology

It has graced the counters of historic 19th-century cafés, transcending the ages and crossing oceans without ever yielding to the urge to change. When we think of a complex enterprise like Fernet-Branca, the collective image often tends to crystallize in the ritual gesture of the end of a meal: the calmly poured glass, the conclusion of a shared dinner, the meditative pause that marks the end of conversations at the table. It is a deep-rooted and noble tradition, but it represents only a fragment of what this historic symbol of Italian savoir-faire is capable of expressing in the contemporary panorama of taste.

In recent years, mixology has rediscovered the value of aromatic herb amaro, no longer just as a digestif, but as a key ingredient in contemporary cocktails. The reason lies in its very nature: created in 1845 in Milan by the genius of Bernardino Branca, Fernet-Branca encompasses a secret blend of 27 herbs, spices, and roots from four continents, meticulously crafted and aged in historic Slavonian oak barrels. A dense and layered botanical profile that offers extraordinary aromatic richness and unexpected versatility at the bar.

The ultimate expression of this spirit of sharing is found in the Fernandito, the Fernet-Branca and Cola drink that represents a true symbol of sociality and togetherness. Born far from home, on the streets of Córdoba, Argentina, the Fernandito is not a drink to be enjoyed alone, but rather a collective ritual in which a simple gesture transforms into pure connection. Its international success and unmistakable organoleptic characteristics have also earned it the prestigious recognition of the IBA (International Bartenders Association), which has officially included it among the world classics of mixology. Its ideal perfect serve includes 4cl of Fernet-Branca, plenty of ice, and a top of chilled Cola, served in a large highball glass to enhance its freshness and balanced flavor.

To bring this very spirit of conviviality to Italy, Fratelli Branca Distillerie has launched the Fernet&Cola Tour: a grand itinerant journey spanning the entire peninsula from May to October, with over 150 stops in 86 municipalities. Stopping in major cities like Milan, Turin, Rome, and Naples, as well as the summer destinations of the Riviera Romagnola, each evening transforms the venue into a space for celebration and socializing. During the evenings, toasts will be accompanied by the FernetHero Wheel: a simple, informal game to share at the bar, offering the opportunity to interact and receive some Fernet-Branca merchandise as a memento of the evening.

Moving beyond the idea of ​​the "same old post-dinner drink" means recognizing a great classic's ability to evolve without denying its roots, offering new interpretations of its unique and inimitable flavor. Want to experience it and find the event nearest you? Check out the updated schedule of stops on the official Fernet&Cola Tour page!