Fernet and Coke recipe
Fernet-Branca meets crisp cola in this bitter-forward, refreshing Argentine cultural classic.
Method: Build and stir ·
Glass: Chilled highball glass ·
Time: 2 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Highball Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fernet-Branca (Chilled)
- 4 oz Coca-Cola (Mexican cola preferred)
- 1 wedge Fresh lime (Optional squeeze)
How to make a Fernet and Coke
- Fill a tall highball glass generously with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 ounces of chilled Fernet-Branca into the glass.
- Top with 4 ounces of cold Coca-Cola.
- Stir gently and briefly from bottom to top to combine without losing effervescence.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and serve immediately.
Garnish
Garnish with a fresh lime wedge perched on the rim.
Pro tip
Using Mexican cola made with real cane sugar reduces excessive syrupy sweetness, allowing the complex herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca to shine through.
History of the Fernet and Coke
While exact origins remain debated in local lore, the combination of Fernet-Branca and cola emerged as a ubiquitous cultural phenomenon in Argentina during the mid-20th century. Originally imported by Italian immigrants, Fernet found an unlikely companion in sweet cola across Argentine social gatherings, bars, and football matches. Today, this iconic bittersweet highball stands as a celebrated national symbol of Argentine camaraderie and drinking culture, bridging Italian herbal amaro with mass-market carbonation.
Flavour profile
Herbal, Bitter, Sweet, Effervescent
Variations
- Fernet con Limón — Substitute sparkling lemonade or mineral water with fresh lemon juice for a tarter, more citrus-forward profile.
- Black Metal — Add a quarter-ounce of overproof rum or a dash of aromatic bitters to deepen the spice backbone.
Practise making the Fernet and Coke in the free Virtual Bar game.