Ingredients
- 1 oz Japanese Whisky
- 1 oz dry Madeira
- ½ oz Licor 43
- ¼ oz Fernet Branca
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - 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 Branca: Pour in ¼ oz Fernet Branca into the glass.
- Add Licor 43: Add ½ oz Licor 43 to the mix.
- Add Dry Madeira: Measure and pour 1 oz dry Madeira into the glass.
- Add Japanese Whiskey: Pour 1 oz Japanese Whisky over the ice.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Garnish: Express a lemon peel over the drink and place it in for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese Whisky, try using a smooth bourbon or rye whiskey for a different but still rich flavor profile.
- Madeira: Sherry can work as an alternative if you're out of Madeira; it adds a similar taste.
- Licor 43: Vanilla extract mixed with simple syrup can mimic Licor 43's sweet vanilla notes in a pinch.
- Fernet Branca: If Fernet Branca is too intense, consider using another herbal liqueur like Amaro Montenegro for a milder taste.
Making a Pitcher of Nail In The Coffin:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Japanese Whisky, 8 oz of dry Madeira, 4 oz of Licor 43, and 2 oz of Fernet Branca.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Japanese Whiskey, Madeira, Licor 43, and Fernet Branca. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Japanese Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative that offers similar flavors without alcohol.
- Madeira Substitute: Try using grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic Madeira's sweet-tart profile.
- Licor 43 Substitute: Mix vanilla extract with sugar water to replicate the sweet vanilla essence.
- Fernet Branca Substitute: Create an herbal infusion with mint tea and a dash of bitters for complexity.
What is a Nail In The Coffin?
A Nail In The Coffin is a whisky-based cocktail made of Japanese Whisky, Madeira, Licor 43, and Fernet Branca. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward mixing steps with readily available ingredients. This drink offers a unique blend of flavors that cater to those who enjoy bold and complex cocktails.

What is a Nail In The Coffin made of – The ingredients
Assemble these ingredients to craft a Nail In The Coffin:
- Japanese Whisky: Delivers a smooth, rich base with nuanced smoky and sweet flavors.
- Madeira: Adds acidity and complexity with its fortified wine profile.
- Licor 43: Add depth to the drink with sweet vanilla and citrus notes.
- Fernet Branca: Balances the cocktail with herbal bitterness and complexity.
- Lemon Twist (optional): Enhances aroma and provides a fresh citrus garnish.








