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12th August at 23:19
One of my favorites, though I find rye more suiting here. Has always been a crowd pleaser.
19th June at 02:10
My ratios have come to 1.5 bourbon (I've found a higher proof is nicer since it cuts through the fernet. I use Rittenhouse rye), 1 fernet branca, .5 lemon, .5 simple syrup. This is a great recipe that I think anyone who enjoys the ingredients will love.
Matt’s Avatar Matt
7th June at 02:29
Not for me - starts as a mouthful of lemon and quickly transitions to a modestly diluted shot of fernet. I had no indication that there was any bourbon in here at all. I like both lemon and fernet, but this isn't a cocktail for me.
michael Monaco’s Avatar michael Monaco
6th June at 23:18
Did not care for it. Too much fernet and lemon. I might try again with different ratios.
15th April at 12:40
Made this with Makers Mark. Liked being able to use the Fernet also.
Very nice with a glass stuffed with ice.
20th November 2024 at 18:20
This was delicious, but even as someone who is a fan fernet, a 1:1 is a bit much. I only did 1/4oz simple syrup as well, but that was preference. 1/2oz seemed like it would have been fine too.

For the next mix, I'll probably do a 2:1 bourbon to fernet or higher to allow the bourbon a little more room to shine. All that said, very tasty after dinner cocktail.
Caspian Berggren’s Avatar Caspian Berggren
12th November 2024 at 16:14
Don't get that much bourbon, but still delicious. Not a drink for those who dislike Fernet, though.
Kym Harding’s Avatar Kym Harding
31st October 2024 at 08:31
Fernet Branca can be a bit much to me, as I have a genetic sensitivity to bitterness - but I found this very enjoyable. Used Russell’s Reserve 90 proof.
Mark’s Avatar Mark
2nd June 2024 at 23:41
I love fernet so this recipe had me excited the minute i discovered it. Shook it for a tad too long so it was a bit watered down yet it still tasted quite nice, pleasant bitterness and bourbon undertones, overall a very solid cocktail.
james McMakin’s Avatar james McMakin
24th May 2024 at 04:09
I was supposed to see Neil Young tonight at a really good outdoor venue and it was postponed two hours before the show because one of the crew had health issues. Made the stinger first, have had them before and loved them. So this time so I poured a splash of ginger beer because there were only a little bit left in the bottle. Is pretty good, Until someone give's me a better name for the drink I'll call it the Chicago Midnight Medicine with instructions 🎵🎸🥁🎹drink two hours before show.
Calvin Grant’s Avatar Calvin Grant
13th May 2024 at 03:32
Having long been a favorite of mine, while making it tonight had half the lemon juice, made up the difference with lime. Then I was short of enough Fernet Branca so I did a split shot with Vecchio Amaro del Capo and served on not very crushed ice. Awesome, still five stars, perhaps my favorite fernet cocktail, Tuva is good here also.
Deyan Kavrakov’s Avatar Deyan Kavrakov
20th April 2024 at 09:19
A cocktail, where Fernet Branca shines affront: remarkable, we love it.
Also, you might want to try it with Maple, instead of sugar syrup and Single Malt Scotch of your choice.
Jon Pidwerbecki’s Avatar Jon Pidwerbecki
13th February 2024 at 01:38
Very enjoyable drink. I too use Evan Williams bottled in bond 100 proof. The mix as specified is very enjoyable. On ice and mellowing a few minutes allows this drink to mature into a very enjoy after dinner delight.
Simon Dare’s Avatar Simon Dare
14th September 2023 at 23:20
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I was beginning to think I would never find a use for my dust gathering bottle of Satan's Expectorant at the rear of my bar.
After over indulging at dinner, I resolved to try the proclaimed benefits of Fernet one last time.
This little diamond is a winner. The bitterness,syrup & sour combine nicely, riding the menthol wave over the earthy whisky (I had Rittenhouse B.i.B to hand).
A little reminder of that mouth rinse we get at the dentist's, but I'm not averse.
Doug Charnock’s Avatar Doug Charnock
28th February 2024 at 02:22
I’ll never be able to think of Fernet Branca by its proper name again! Quite apt.
Miguel Perales’ Avatar Miguel Perales
18th July 2023 at 22:58
Fernet is definitely an acquired taste and one which I really enjoy. This cocktail showcases the Fernet. Upfront, this seems bitter; however, as stated, give it a chance. The bitterness seems to dissipate, it becomes more balanced, and it finishes with a wonderful minty/herbal Fernet finish.
Paloma Difford’s Avatar Paloma Difford
19th July 2023 at 08:28
Hi Miguel, many thanks for your feedback. You make a great point, and we're going to address this soon so that 'Your Wish List' appears at a higher level within the navigation. For now, if you click on your avatar / photo at the top of the screen you'll see a drop down menu...select 'Favourites' and you'll see 'Your Wish List'. Many thanks again, we really welcome the feedback.
Miguel Perales’ Avatar Miguel Perales
18th July 2023 at 23:07
I'm adding this question separately from my comment so I can delete it later since I don't know how to communicate with the "powers that be". I really like the new look of the website; however, "Your Wish List" is very hard to find. As a matter of fact, I thought it had been deleted before I found it after searching for about 15 minutes. Would it be possible to add it to the drop down menu under the "account menu" to make it easier to find? Thank you.
Miguel
26th March 2023 at 10:21
Fern and Bourn
24th March 2023 at 07:54
Ooo lawd. New favorite. The crushed ice is a faff but oh so worth it. Best use of that dusty bottle of fernet in your cabinet. Outstanding.
27th June 2024 at 18:47
Icepert Camper English points out that freezing carbonated water makes ice that is very easy to crush.
Frederic D.’s Avatar Frederic D.
5th February 2023 at 21:39
Made once with Elijah Craig and Luxardo Fernet, then again swapping Zirbenz for the fernet and hickory syrup for the simple. Both very good, albeit very different, drinks. The original was very fernet-forward, as expected, and pretty dry due to using Luxardo. The second one was less one-dimensional, with the pine and hickory notes working really well together.
Donna Inch’s Avatar Donna Inch
26th December 2022 at 16:36
Will definitely be making this again.
We like our drinks on the less sweet side - used 1:1 sugar syrup and about 1/2 the allocation. Was quite nice, and great for having after rich meal.
Nicola Adams’ Avatar Nicola Adams
27th September 2022 at 19:51
If I’m honest, I always found Fernet a bit of a struggle, and Bourbon’s nowhere near the top of my list of favourite spirits, so there’s no reason why I would even try this cocktail much less enjoy it…. But for some reason I did try it, and oh my God, I like it, as in a lot! I don’t really understand why I often find 5ml of fernet is too much, but here x 6 that is perfect. It’s as thought the fernet and bourbon have combined to create something entirely different that tastes like neither
Kym Harding’s Avatar Kym Harding
6th August 2023 at 11:27
Yes, that’s it exactly - I’m very sensitive to bitter flavours, and Fernet’s bitterness is anything but subtle, but in this surprising combination, it really comes alive and works brilliantly.
I used Wild Turkey 101 - I suspect it would be even better with WT Rare Breed.
John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
25th August 2022 at 03:49
I made this with Ammunition Single Cask California Bourbon aged in Cabernet casks. It is at 90 proof. Had a rather large dinner and wanted something for after-dinner. This was perfect. It is dry with a good citrus punch. The Fernet blends seamlessly with the Bourbon. On my favourites.
24th August 2022 at 14:22
I like this with Evan Williams Bonded, it stands up to mixing and because it is sweeter it plays well with the bitter elements.
11th June 2022 at 23:42
Used 3/4 oz 1:1 simple syrup, tasted just fine.
22nd May 2022 at 04:15
Has become a favourite of mine, delightful and tasty. I prefer to use a local brand of Fernet and it's just as good if not better.
Christopher Day’s Avatar Christopher Day
19th May 2022 at 16:42
This has to probably be the single greatest thing I've discovered on Difford's Guide to date and agree with the comment from William Smith - this is much, much too good to be relegated to after-dinner only.
19th April 2022 at 21:04
I would drink this again. It reminds me of the jaegerita a bit.
Rajat Mittal’s Avatar Rajat Mittal
19th February 2022 at 11:42
It’s almost as if this “Sam Ross” person knows what he’s doing. For me this is right up there with Penicillin and better than Paper Plane. Must try.
Calvin Grant’s Avatar Calvin Grant
24th December 2021 at 04:01
If you're wondering what to do with that bottle of Fernet... Try! This! Cocktail!
Stephan Gröhn’s Avatar Stephan Gröhn
1st September 2021 at 13:37
I like it with Brancamenta and a splash of black tea. Very refreshing!
William Smith’s Avatar William Smith
17th April 2021 at 01:12
This drink is far too tasty to be relegated to after-dinner status. You don't taste bourbon, but the bourbon gives body and complexity to the Fernet. I sipped some while cooking Italian, and a fine dinner it was.
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