Fernet, an Italian type of amaro (a bitter, aromatic spirit), was first introduced to San Francisco in the 1800s, and was originally marketed as a cure for cholera. It gained some popularity during Prohibition since it was still sold as a medicinal product in pharmacies.
Why is Fernet so popular?
It’s very popular among bartenders, as goes down smooth and its medicinal effects can help ease digestion after a long day (or, as it were, a long night). And come last call, just about every bar in San Francisco doles out rounds of bartender’s handshakes, shots of fernet served with ginger ale kickers.
What liquor is San Francisco known for?
Pisco Punch
Admittedly, it is a bit strange that a Peruvian brandy plays a part in one of San Francisco’s most famous cocktail contributions, but weirder things have happened. Pisco (which is distilled from Peruvian grape varietals) made its way up to the city from Peru via traders in the 1830s.
Why do bartenders love Fernet?
While fernet can be consumed straight or over ice, it is most palatable in a cocktail–especially for the uninitiated. Often described as an acquired taste, fernet has a strongly bitter flavor punctuated by mellower notes of caramel, mint, coffee, and burnt citrus.
What country drinks the most Fernet?
Argentina
Bizarrely though, in Argentina it’s so popular that the country now consumes more than 75% of all Fernet produced globally. And since the drink is traditionally mixed with Coca-Cola in an ice-filled glass, it also contributes to making Argentina one of the planet’s highest Coke consumers.
How much Fernet does San Francisco drink?
Allegedly, upwards of 70 percent of all Fernet consumed in the US is drunk in San Francisco. To that end, I found current or former Bay Area residents who had a strong opinion on this inimitable elixir.
Why is Fernet good for your stomach?
“[Fernet] benefits the stomach, promotes digestion, strengthens the body, overcomes cholera, reduces fever, and heals those suffering from nervous weakness, lack of appetite, sickness or tapeworms; suitable for use as a preventative measure for all those who are obliged to reside in damp and infectious conditions.”
Who drinks Fernet-Branca?
Bartenders, San Franciscans, and the desperately hung over all love it, but if you really want to go to a place where the Fernet-Branca flows like, well, wine, head to Argentina. The country is so collectively enamored of the chicory-brown liqueur they drink upwards of 75 percent of the global supply.
What makes Fernet different?
Aside from having an ABV that usually clocks in at 40 percent, the main difference between Fernet and amaro is that Fernet is less sweet, in fact, usually not sweet at all.
What kind of alcohol is Fernet?
Fernet is a bracingly bitter liqueur from the amaro family, a category of spirits that are often consumed after a meal to help aid in digestion or to help settle an upset stomach.
Can you drink Fernet straight?
Fernet has a higher alcohol content than most bitters: it’s 40 to 45% alcohol. You can use a splash in cocktails or coffee, stir it into a cola (as the Argentinians do), or even drink it straight (as San Francisco bartenders do).
Who consumes the most Fernet-Branca?
The South American country consumes more than 75% of all fernet produced globally and, due to the product’s popularity, also has Fratelli Branca’s only distillery outside of Italy.
How is Fernet pronounced?
You will sometimes hear it pronounced ‘fer:nee’ in English because the speaker has made the mistake of using French rules of pronunciation on an Italian word. Make no mistake, the ‘t’ is pronounced. The stress is on the second syllable, which is less usual in Italian, so you say ‘fehr:NET‘.
What is Fernet and Coke called?
Sometimes referred to as a Fernando or a Fernandito, Fernet con Coca is made by mixing the amaro Fernet-Branca with Coca-Cola, serving it tall over ice. I’ll be the first to admit that the Argentinean tipple is an acquired taste (it’s at once bitter, sweet, minty, and herbaceous).
Does Fernet taste good?
Fernet is at once bitter, sweet, herbacious and spicy. It’s an unappealing dark brown color, with a hint of green when held up to the light. The aroma is an aggressive melange of spices. Fernet Branca tastes just as sweet, intense, and bitter as its nose promises.
Where is Fernet and Coke popular?
Argentine
A Fernet and Coke (also known as Fernet con Coca) is a favorite Argentine cocktail. With only two ingredients, I bet it’s going to become one of your favorites too!
How do you drink Fernet Francisco?
The Drinks
- Straight Up. 2oz Fernet Francisco (served in a tumbler)
- On The Rocks. 2oz Fernet Francisco, an orange twist, 1 single large ice cube (served in a tumbler)
- The Francisco.
- Frankie’s Tonic.
- Francisco Old Fashion (FOF)
- Francisco Sour.
- Baker Beach.
- Alamo Flower.
How many calories are in a shot of Fernet Branca?
Then you have my beloved Fernet Branca, the basic bitter truth of life distilled down to its bare essence, clocking in at a terrible 202 calories per 1.5oz., and like Pringles, you really can’t stop with just one. The average person should be taking in about 2,000-2,500 calories a day.
Can Fernet help you lose weight?
Studies show this compound that can aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Pure Leaf Unsweetened Green tea has no artificial sweeteners or added colors. It’s full of polyphenols like epicatechin, gallic acid, and catechin.
Is Fernet-Branca high in sugar?
Unlike most apertifs and digestifs, Fernet-Branca is very low in sugar. It’s also one of the only amari liqueurs to be aged for a full year in oak barrels, a process that adds intensity and complexities to the final result.
Does Fernet-Branca cure hangovers?
That somewhat insidious-tasting amaro known as Fernet-Branca has been a favorite of chefs around the world for decades due to its herbal punch of flavor and ability to calm your insides when you’ve had far, far too much to eat. But according to Henderson, it’s also the essential component of the best hangover cure.