Cool off with this easy Waterfront Cocktail recipe! Combine Fernet-Branca, Branca Menta, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing yet powerful summer drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 227
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fernet-Branca
- 1 oz Branca Menta
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz Ginger Beer - to top
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel or wedge and mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Lime Juice: Pour ½ oz fresh lime juice over the ice.
- Add Fernet-Branca: Add 2 oz Fernet-Branca into the glass.
- Add Branca Menta: Add 1 oz Branca Menta.
- Top with Ginger Beer: Fill the rest of the glass with approx. 3 oz Ginger Beer, adjusting to taste and to the size of the glass.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Garnish: Add a lime wedge or wheel and a mint sprig into the glass for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Fernet-Branca: If you don't have Fernet-Branca, you can use another amaro like Averna or Montenegro. They offer a different flavor profile but still provide that herbal complexity.
- Branca Menta: For a similar minty kick, try using crème de menthe instead of Branca Menta. It might be sweeter, so adjust the lime juice accordingly.
- Lime Juice: If you're out of limes, fresh lemon juice works well. It gives the drink a slightly different citrus note but still keeps it refreshing.
- Ginger Beer: If you prefer a milder taste, ginger ale can be a good substitute for ginger beer.
Making a Pitcher of Waterfront Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Fernet-Branca, 8 oz of Branca Menta, and 4 oz of lime juice.
- Mix: Combine the Fernet-Branca, Branca Menta, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses, top with ginger beer, garnish with a lime wedge or mint sprig, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Fernet-Branca Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic amaro substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic the herbal complexity.
- Branca Menta Substitute: You can opt for a non-alcoholic mint syrup or make your own by infusing simple syrup with fresh mint leaves.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
Fernet Branca is not totally vegan as, although in very low proportion, it contains honey. Omit it or try with another vegan-certified amaro to enjoy a vegan version of the waterfront cocktail.What is a Waterfront Cocktail?
A Waterfront Cocktail is an herbal and minty drink made of Fernet-Branca, Branca Menta, lime juice, and ginger beer. It’s easy to make because it involves simple steps like pouring the ingredients over ice and stirring gently. This cocktail offers a unique blend of bitter, sweet, and refreshing flavors, making it stand out in any setting.
What is a Waterfront Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare a Waterfront Cocktail:
- Fernet-Branca: Adds a complex, bitter herbal flavor.
- Branca Menta: Provides a refreshing minty sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Contributes a tangy citrus note.
- Ginger Beer: Adds a spicy, effervescent finish.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for balance.
- Lime Wedge and Mint Sprig (optional): Enhances the presentation and adds a fresh aroma.
