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Fernandito

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room

Written by Gavin Wrigley

Andrea

Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you want to try a new cocktail, the Fernandito recipe is your answer! With just two ingredients, this drink is distinctive and easy to make.

Visuals by Overproof Media

Fernandito Recipe

Revel in the simplicity of the Fernandito recipe! Fernet meets Coca-Cola in this uncomplicated yet satisfying drink.

Prep time:

1

Mixing time:

1

Servings:

Calories:

144 kl

Ingredients

1½ oz Fernet
2½ oz Coca-Cola
Ice cubes
Lemon slice, for garnish, optional

Equipment

Old Fashioned Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
Add Fernet: Pour 1½ oz Fernet over the ice.
Add Coca-Cola: Measure and pour 2½ oz Coca-Cola into the glass.
Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
Garnish: Place a lemon slice into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

Fernet: If I don't have Fernet on hand, I sometimes use a different amaro, although it alters the drink's profile. Branca Menta offers a more minty take.
Coca-Cola: Pepsi can work if Coca-Cola isn't available. Some folks prefer the taste of Pepsi due to its slightly sweeter profile. For a more crafty feel, artisanal colas can be a good choice, too.

Making a Pitcher of Fernandito:

Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, use 12 oz of Fernet and 20 oz of Coca-Cola.
Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Fernet and Coca-Cola. Stir thoroughly.
Serve: Pour the concoction into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon slice, and serve instantly.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Fernet Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bitter or a herbal tonic. It won't capture the exact essence of Fernet, but it'll provide a depth of flavor.
Proceed As Usual: Replace the Fernet with the non-alcoholic alternative, keep to the original steps, and savor a non-alcoholic Fernandito.

Making it Vegan:

Good news! A traditional Fernandito with Fernet and Coca-Cola is already vegan. However, always check the labels of your specific brands to ensure no animal-derived products or processes are used.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

144

% Daily Value*

Fat

0.01

g

0

%

Sodium

3

mg

0

%

Carbohydrates

10

g

3

%

Sugar

9

g

10

%

Potassium

1

mg

0

%

Protein

0.1

g

0

%

Calcium

1

mg

0

%

Iron

0.1

mg

1

%

Fernandito Cocktail Drink

Fernandito Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley

Revel in the simplicity of the Fernandito recipe! Fernet meets Coca-Cola in this uncomplicated yet satisfying drink.

Prep time: 1

Mixing time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 144

Ingredients

1½ oz Fernet
2½ oz Coca-Cola
Ice cubes
Lemon slice - for garnish, optional

Equipment

Old Fashioned Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
Add Fernet: Pour 1½ oz Fernet over the ice.
Add Coca-Cola: Measure and pour 2½ oz Coca-Cola into the glass.
Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
Garnish: Place a lemon slice into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

Fernet: If I don't have Fernet on hand, I sometimes use a different amaro, although it alters the drink's profile. Branca Menta offers a more minty take.
Coca-Cola: Pepsi can work if Coca-Cola isn't available. Some folks prefer the taste of Pepsi due to its slightly sweeter profile. For a more crafty feel, artisanal colas can be a good choice, too.

Making a Pitcher of Fernandito:

Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, use 12 oz of Fernet and 20 oz of Coca-Cola.
Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Fernet and Coca-Cola. Stir thoroughly.
Serve: Pour the concoction into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon slice, and serve instantly.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Fernet Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bitter or a herbal tonic. It won't capture the exact essence of Fernet, but it'll provide a depth of flavor.
Proceed As Usual: Replace the Fernet with the non-alcoholic alternative, keep to the original steps, and savor a non-alcoholic Fernandito.

Making it Vegan:

Good news! A traditional Fernandito with Fernet and Coca-Cola is already vegan. However, always check the labels of your specific brands to ensure no animal-derived products or processes are used.

What is a Fernandito?

Fernandito is a cocktail pairing Fernet and Coca-Cola. Originating from Argentina, this drink has become a favorite for many seeking a unique yet uncomplicated flavor experience. “Fernandito” is a playful nod to its primary ingredient, Fernet. Though it might seem like a concoction for seasoned bartenders, anyone can appreciate its distinctive taste. This traditional Fernandito blend feels special, yet it’s refreshingly simple.

What is a Fernandito made of – The ingredients

For a Fernandito, these components are required:

Fernet: A bitter, aromatic spirit; it’s the backbone of the Fernandito, giving the cocktail its bold flavor.
Coca-Cola: A sweet carbonated beverage; it balances the bitterness of the Fernet and adds a fizz to the drink.

How do you make a Fernandito?

Our guide simplifies learning how to make a Fernandito:

1

<p>Start by filling an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and maintain its temperature.</p>

Start by filling an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and maintain its temperature.

2

<p>Pour a serving of Fernet over the ice, ensuring it forms the base for our cocktail.</p>

Pour a serving of Fernet over the ice, ensuring it forms the base for our cocktail.

3

<p>Followed by adding an equal serving of Coca-Cola to the glass, allowing it to meld with the Fernet.</p>

Followed by adding an equal serving of Coca-Cola to the glass, allowing it to meld with the Fernet.

4

<p>Stir the two ingredients gently using a bar spoon, blending them well while retaining the bubbles of the Coca-Cola.</p>

Stir the two ingredients gently using a bar spoon, blending them well while retaining the bubbles of the Coca-Cola.

5

<p>Place a lemon slice into the glass for garnish.</p>

Place a lemon slice into the glass for garnish.

6

<p>Enjoy your Fernandito!</p>

Enjoy your Fernandito!

Variations

Want to see other selections? I’ve put together some of my favorite picks to share:

Honeyed Fernandito: This rendition sweetens the pot with honey syrup. Personally, I appreciate how the honey syrup smooths over the sharp edges of Fernet, offering a cozier, more approachable experience. It’s perfect for those who are new to the unique flavors of Fernet, as the honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances the herbal bitterness.
Spicy Fernandito: This one brings an adventurous twist by muddling a slice of jalapeño before adding the other ingredients. The jalapeño introduces a thrilling spicy dimension to the bittersweet symphony of flavors. I’m particularly intrigued by the medium-level spice that sets the tastebuds on a lively journey, creating a bold and memorable sip.
Orange Fernandito: In this creative adaptation, the usual lemon wedge gets replaced with an orange slice, and a splash of orange bitters is added. The switch to orange introduces a sweeter, less tart dimension, harmonizing well with the cola’s vanilla notes. I’m drawn to the way the orange enhances the drink with a fruity and zesty flair, offering a delightful variation to the classic profile.

History and Origin

The Fernandito cocktail traces its roots to Argentina. The country has a longstanding love affair with Fernet, especially the Fernet-Branca brand. In the late 20th century, Argentinians began blending Fernet with Coca-Cola, giving birth to the now-iconic drink. “Fernandito” is a diminutive and affectionate take on “Fernando,” playfully referencing its primary ingredient, Fernet. The combination became an instant hit, particularly in Buenos Aires, and quickly spread throughout the country. Now, it is a national staple, enjoyed in homes, bars, and social gatherings. The drink’s unique bitter-sweet taste and refreshing quality have solidified its place in Argentine drinking culture.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Fernandito?
A standard Fernandito has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the serving size and specific brands.

How strong is a Fernandito in terms of ABV and proof?
The strength primarily depends on the Fernet used. Most Fernets have an ABV of about 39-40%, translating to 78-80 proof. However, when diluted with Coca-Cola, the drink's overall alcohol content is lower.

What alcohol is used in a Fernandito?
The primary alcoholic ingredient in a Fernandito is Fernet, a type of aromatic bitter.

In which type of glass is a Fernandito typically served?
Traditionally, a Fernandito is served in an Old Fashioned glass.

What does a Fernandito taste like?
A Fernandito offers a unique blend of bitter and sweet, combining the herbal, aromatic qualities of Fernet with the sugary effervescence of Coca-Cola.

What's the typical ratio of ingredients in a Fernandito?
The classic ratio is 1.5 oz of Fernet and 2.5-3.5 oz of Coca-Cola.

How is Fernandito served in terms of ice and presentation?
It's typically served over ice, often called "on the rocks".

Categories

Types

Flavours

Spirits

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