Fernet Old Fashioned Recipe

By
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke blogs about cocktails at The Cocktail Chronicles and writes regularly on spirits and cocktails for Imbibe magazine. He lives in Seattle, where he works as a writer and magazine editor.
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Updated August 19, 2020

Ooh, really shouldn't have had that second slice of pie. And that last scoop of stuffing? What was I thinking?

Fortunately, I had the foresight to pack some Fernet Branca to the in-laws on Thanksgiving. While this mint and eucalyptus-laced Italian digestivo can knock an overstuffed stomach back down to size all on its own, it also packs a powerful flavor punch in a handful of cocktails.

Here's one that was put together by my friend Rick at Kaiser Penguin: the Fernet Old Fashioned. By simply substituting the amaro for the more familiar bourbon or rye, this drink bolsters Fernet's already mighty powers as a digestive aid with a touch of aromatic bitters (also good for an upset stomach) and a dab of sugar to make it all a bit more soothing.

There, now—better? Now who's up for a post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich?

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Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Fernet Branca
  • 1/4 to 1/2 ounce simple syrup (to taste)
  • 2 to 3 dashes Angostura orange bitters

Directions

  1. Combine ingredients in an old-fashioned glass and fill with ice. Give a light stir, then let the drink work its medicine.

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