Fernet is a type of Italian amaro known for its bold, bitter, and herbal flavour. It’s made from a mix of botanicals like saffron, aloe, chamomile, and rhubarb, resulting in an intense, unsweetened taste. With an alcohol content of 40-45%, Fernet is stronger than most amaros and is often enjoyed neat as a digestif or in cocktails.
Key Points:
- Origins: Created in Milan in 1845 as a medicinal elixir.
- Flavour Profile: Bitter, herbal, and unsweetened, with hints of caramel from burnt sugar.
- Popular Uses: Neat, with cola (popular in Argentina), or in cocktails like the Hanky Panky.
- Production: Botanicals are macerated in grape spirit for a rich, layered flavour.
Fernet’s unique taste and versatility have made it a favourite for both traditional and modern cocktail enthusiasts. In London, Asterley Bros makes BRITANNICA London Fernet, the only British-made fernet, which won 1 star at Great Taste 2021 and 1 star at Great Taste 2026.
Main Features of Fernet
Ingredients and Taste
Fernet gets its bold and layered flavour from a mix of botanicals. Key ingredients include rhubarb, which adds bitterness, saffron for its earthy depth, and chamomile, offering gentle herbal notes. Burnt sugar not only gives it a hint of caramel but also its deep, dark colour.
How Fernet is Made
The production of Fernet follows a well-established process. Botanicals are macerated in grape spirit, allowing their flavours to infuse fully. This careful technique, overseen by skilled makers, ensures every batch maintains the distinct and intense profile Fernet is known for.
Alcohol Strength and Serving
Fernet typically contains 40-45% ABV, packing a strong punch while remaining rich in flavour. It’s traditionally served in small portions after meals, making it a popular digestif. Its robust nature also makes it a versatile choice, whether sipped neat or used to elevate cocktails.
Ways to Drink Fernet
Drinking Fernet Neat
One of the most traditional ways to enjoy Fernet is neat or over ice, often as a digestif after a meal. This method brings out its bold herbal notes and intense flavours without dilution. It's a great way to fully experience the complexity of its botanicals.
Classic Cocktails with Fernet
Fernet plays a starring role in several classic cocktails. Take the Hanky Panky, for example. This cocktail blends BRITANNICA London Fernet with gin and ESTATE Sweet Vermouth, creating a sophisticated drink that showcases Fernet's bold character. Another favourite is the BRITANNICA London Fernet and Cola, a simple mix that pairs Fernet's herbal intensity with the sweetness of cola. Beyond these staples, bartenders continue to experiment with Fernet in creative ways.
Using Fernet in Modern Cocktails
In modern mixology, BRITANNICA London Fernet can elevate a variety of drinks when used thoughtfully. Because of its strong flavour, start with small amounts (around 5-10 ml) to avoid overpowering other ingredients. For something refreshing, try a Fernet Spritz:
- 20 ml BRITANNICA London Fernet
- 40 ml ASTERLEY ORIGINAL Aperitivo
- 100 ml Prosecco
- A splash of soda water
- Garnish with an orange slice
This drink balances Fernet's boldness with lighter, more approachable flavours. Pairing Fernet with citrus or botanical elements often works well for a harmonious blend.
Making Cocktails with BRITANNICA London Fernet
Why Choose BRITANNICA London Fernet?
BRITANNICA London Fernet is known for its British craftsmanship and bold flavour. Its botanicals include cacao nibs, rosemary, myrrh, mint, chocolate spelt malt, cinchona and liquorice, macerated for 28 days, with London Porter washed through them. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s a modern interpretation of Fernet that respects its roots while adding a British flair. Perfect for cocktails that demand depth and character.
Cocktail Recipes with BRITANNICA London Fernet
When mixing cocktails with BRITANNICA London Fernet, precision matters due to its strong flavour profile:
The Modern Hanky Panky
- 30 ml London Dry Gin
- 30 ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 10 ml BRITANNICA London Fernet
- Garnish: orange twist
The British Digestif
- 15 ml BRITANNICA London Fernet
- 30 ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
- 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml Simple syrup
- Top with tonic
BRITANNICA London Fernet also pairs beautifully with other spirits, especially those from the Asterley Bros range.
Pairing BRITANNICA London Fernet with Asterley Bros Products
Looking for a perfect pairing? Combine BRITANNICA London Fernet with Asterley Bros' premium spirits. A great example is the London Boulevardier:
- 40 ml Premium bourbon
- 20 ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 20 ml BRITANNICA London Fernet
- 10 ml ASTERLEY ORIGINAL Aperitivo
Start with 5-10 ml of Fernet and tweak to your taste for the perfect balance.
Summary
Fernet stands out for its bold flavour and complex mix of botanicals like rhubarb, chamomile, and saffron. These elements make it a favourite among both mixologists and spirit enthusiasts around the globe.
Traditionally enjoyed neat as a digestif, Fernet has embraced a fresh role in modern cocktail culture. Its appeal crosses borders, from being paired with cola in Argentina to becoming a go-to ingredient in craft cocktail bars worldwide.
BRITANNICA London Fernet captures this evolution perfectly. It delivers a bold yet balanced take on the classic, respecting Fernet's heritage while appealing to contemporary palates. Due to its intense flavour, it's best to use BRITANNICA London Fernet in small amounts: 5 to 10 ml is ideal for creating well-balanced cocktails. Whether you're mixing up classics like the Modern Hanky Panky or experimenting with newer options like the British Digestif, this Fernet adds a distinct edge to any drink.
Fernet's revival has cemented its role as a key ingredient in modern bartending. Whether sipped neat, as part of a timeless cocktail, or paired with other spirits from the Asterley Bros collection, its unique character continues to inspire.
With such a rich history and diverse uses, Fernet invites curiosity about how it stacks up against other spirits and the best ways to enjoy it.
FAQs
What sets Fernet apart from amaro?
Fernet is a type of amaro, but it stands out with its intensely bitter, minty flavour and lack of sweetness. While most amaros have a bittersweet profile, Fernet is sharper, darker, and contains more alcohol (typically 40-45% ABV). Its distinct taste comes from a unique mix of botanicals.
How is BRITANNICA London Fernet different from classic versions?
BRITANNICA London Fernet stays true to the bold, minty flavour of traditional Fernet but adds a modern twist with its own blend of botanicals.
Where does Fernet come from?
Fernet was first made in 19th-century Italy as a medicinal tonic. It was sold in pharmacies well into the 20th century, often promoted as a remedy for ailments like cholera. Though these claims lack modern scientific backing, Fernet's roots in medicine helped cement its role in drinking traditions.
What’s the best way to drink Fernet?
You can enjoy Fernet neat as a digestif, mix it with cola (a favourite in Argentina), or use it in cocktails like the Hanky Panky. Its strong flavour also makes it a great addition in small amounts (5-10 ml) to elevate other drinks, especially those with sweeter or citrusy notes.
These FAQs showcase Fernet’s distinct character and its versatility in both classic and contemporary cocktails.