Fernet About It
This week, we are joined by our guest Lydia (@lydvishus) to discuss the Bartender's Handshake, a.k.a. Fernet! We talk about Vesta and Lydia's common introduction to this famously bitter liquor, dive into where it came from in the first place, and branch out to talking about the wide world of Fernets past the ubiquitous Branca!
Cocktails Discussed:
Toronto
2 oz. Malahat 100% Rye Whiskey
1/4 oz. Black Market Spirits Throwback Fernet
1/4 oz. Demerara Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a orange twist.
The Waterfront
2 oz. Fernet-Vallet
1 oz. Rapa Giovanni Fernet Menta
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
Ginger Beer
Based on Damon Boelte's original recipe, as published in Amaro by Brad Thomas Parsons
Build the Fernets and lime juice in a highball or pilsner glass filled with ice. Briefly stir to combine, and fill to the top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Further Reading:
FERNET BRANCA, THE ITALIAN LIQUOR THAT DUPED PROHIBITION - https://italoamericano.org/fernet-branca-italian-icon/
The Myth of Fernet - https://web.archive.org/web/20070221223603/http://www.sfweekly.com/2005-12-07/news/the-myth-of-fernet/full
The Toronto—a namesake cocktail you've never heard of - https://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/2016/10/14/the-torontoa-namesake-cocktail-youve-never-heard-of.html