Fernet con Coca
Fernet con Coca
Argentina's unofficial national cocktail — bitter Fernet Branca mixed with Coca-Cola, served in a large glass and often shared among friends. An acquired taste that becomes an obsession.
Fernet con Coca (Fernet con Coca)
Argentina's unofficial national cocktail — bitter Fernet Branca mixed with Coca-Cola, served in a large glass and often shared among friends. An acquired taste that becomes an obsession.
- 60ml (2 oz) Fernet Branca
- 200ml (7 oz) Coca-Cola (must be very cold, preferably from a glass bottle)
- Ice cubes
- Tall glass (a large cup or tumbler — traditionally shared)
Wine Pairing
This IS the drink — serve alongside asado, pizza, or during a previa (pre-party)
- •Everywhere in Argentina — bars, clubs, house parties
- •Córdoba is the spiritual home of fernet con coca
- •Any kiosco sells the ingredients
- 1
Fill a tall glass about one-third full with ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the Fernet Branca over the ice. The traditional ratio is about 30% Fernet to 70% Coca-Cola, but this varies by preference.
- 3
Slowly pour the cold Coca-Cola down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Don't dump it in — you'll lose the fizz.
- 4
Stir gently once or twice with a spoon or straw. Don't over-stir.
- 5
Serve immediately. In a social setting, pass the glass around — it's a communal drink.
- 6
Take your first sip. If you're new to Fernet, start with less Fernet and more Coca-Cola.
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The Coca-Cola MUST be ice cold and freshly opened — warm or flat Coca-Cola ruins the drink. Glass bottles are preferred over plastic for better carbonation.
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Your first fernet con coca will taste like mouthwash. By your third, you'll be hooked. Give it a chance.
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In Córdoba, the mixer is a position of honor at parties. Getting the ratio right is taken very seriously.
Fernet Branca is an Italian herbal bitter, but Argentina consumes more of it than Italy and the rest of the world combined. The tradition of mixing it with Coca-Cola started in Córdoba in the 1980s and spread nationwide. Today, Argentina consumes over 25 million liters of Fernet annually. In Córdoba, it's served in large shared glasses at parties (previas), and the person who mixes it holds a position of social responsibility — the ratio must be perfect.
Must be consumed immediately. Fernet Branca keeps indefinitely in the bottle.