Fernandito Cocktail Recipe

Fernandito Nutrition Facts

Calories:160

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Fernandito cocktail is a popular Argentinean drink, named after the famous Argentine singer and actor, Fernando 'Fernandito' Sosa. It was created in the 1970s in Buenos Aires and quickly gained popularity among the city's nightlife. The cocktail is known for its refreshing taste and easy-to-make recipe, making it a favorite among both bartenders and patrons.

  • Origin: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Created in the 1970s
  • Named after Argentine singer and actor Fernando 'Fernandito' Sosa

How Fernandito Tastes?

The Fernandito cocktail is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and mildly bitter drink with a hint of herbal and citrus notes. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.

Interesting facts about Fernandito

  • The Fernandito cocktail is often served as an aperitif, stimulating the appetite before a meal.
  • The drink is typically enjoyed during the summer months due to its refreshing qualities.
  • The cocktail has gained popularity outside of Argentina and can now be found in bars around the world.

Ingredients

Fernet-Branca

The heart of the cocktail, Fernet-Branca brings a complex, herbal bitter flavor. With this magical elixir, 1.5 oz is just enough to assert its presence without overbearing the drink. Less? You might miss its character. More? It could overshadow the sweet balance brought by the cola.

Alex Green

Coca-Cola

This global favorite isn't just here for kicks; its sweetness softens Fernet's herbal bite. Plus, the carbonation adds a lively pep to each sip. Stick to the 3 oz, it is the mixer that makes the medicine go down, literally. Without it, it's like Batman without Robin, still good but missing the magic.

Emma Rose

Ice

Ice chills the deal, making the Fernandito crisp and refreshing. Too little, you'll be sipping a lukewarm confusion. Too much, and you've got an arctic expedition on your hands.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Wedge

Citrus adds a zesty pop that lifts the whole concoction. It's like that friend who brings out the best in you during a night out; without it, the drink feels kind of lonely.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Fernandito Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of Fernet-Branca over the ice.
  3. Top with 3 oz of Coca-Cola.
  4. Gently stir the mixture to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • Use a fresh lemon wedge for garnish to enhance the citrus notes.
  • For a smoother taste, stir gently to combine the ingredients rather than shaking.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Empanadas: The robust herbal tones of Fernet-Branca cut through the rich, meaty flavors.
  • Salted Nuts: The saltiness complements the bittersweet profile of the cocktail.

Main Dishes

  • Grilled Steak: The bold flavors of grilled meat pair well with the intensity of the Fernandito.
  • Pizza: Especially with peppery toppings, it balances the herbal notes of the drink.

Desserts

  • Dark Chocolate: Its bitterness echoes the Fernet, creating a harmonious aftertaste.

Other Drinks

  • Espresso: The bitterness of both can be a palate cleanser, complementing each other.

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What you could change in Fernandito

  • Fernet-Branca: Can be replaced with any other type of Fernet, though the taste may vary.
  • Coca-Cola: Can be substituted with any cola-type soft drink.
  • Lemon wedge: Can be replaced with an orange or lime wedge for a different citrus twist.

Explore all drinks starting with F here

And of course - twists🍹

Honeyed Fernandito

Add 0.5 oz of honey syrup to sweeten the pot and smooth over Fernet's sharp edges. Expect a cosier, more approachable twist to the classic, perfect for those new to the Fernet fan club.

Spicy Fernandito

Muddle in a slice of jalapeño before adding the other ingredients. The spice brings a new dimension to the bittersweet symphony, setting your taste buds on a medium-level thrill ride.

Orange Fernandito

Substitute the lemon wedge with an orange slice and add a splash of orange bitters. The citrus switch-up introduces a sweeter, less tart dimension, complementing the cola's vanilla notes.

In case you forgot basics how to make Fernandito

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Fernandito

What type of glass is best for serving cocktails like Fernandito?

For cocktails like Fernandito, a tall, slender highball glass is often used. It allows the layers of the drink to be visible, thus enhancing the visual appeal.

Is it necessary to use Coca-Cola in Fernandito?

While Coca-Cola is traditionally used in Fernandito, you can substitute it with any cola-type soft drink. The taste may vary slightly based on the cola used.

What does Fernet-Branca taste like?

Fernet-Branca is a type of amaro, a bitter, aromatic spirit. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, aloe, and saffron.

What is Fernet?

Fernet is a type of Italian amaro, a bitter, aromatic spirit. It is made from a variety of herbs and spices, which vary between different brands and types.

What is the alcohol content of Fernandito?

The alcohol content of Fernandito depends on the amount of Fernet-Branca used. With 1.5 oz, it would be less than the 39% alcohol content of Fernet-Branca thanks to the non-alcoholic percentage of Coca-Cola and ice.

Can I enjoy Fernandito if I don’t like Coca-Cola?

Yes, you can substitute Coca-Cola with any other cola-type soft drink in Fernandito. However, the taste may vary depending on the substitute used.

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