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Waterfront Cocktail Drink

Waterfront Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.