Fernet-Branca was formulated in
Milan in 1845 by a self-taught herbalist, Bernardino Branca, who with his sons set up a business to manufacture and sell it.[2] It was marketed as a
pick-me-up and as a cure for
worms, for fever, for
cholera[3] and for
menstrual pain.[2] From 1886 the company published annual calendars with works by well-known artists.[4] The eagle-and-globe logo was designed in 1893 by
Leopoldo Metlicovitz.[5]
The company began exporting to Argentina in 1907, and in 1925 established a distillery in
Buenos Aires.[6] In the United States the drink became popular after the passage of
prohibition laws in 1919, as it was sold in pharmacies as a medicinal product.[7][2] By 1936 Branca had set up a branch office in
Tribeca, New York, to satisfy American demand.[2][8] Production in the United States peaked at 60,000 cases in 1960.[2]
Fernet-Branca has a higher
alcohol content, at 39%, and lower sugar content than most other
amari.[16] It is aged in oak barrels for a year.[16]
The manufacturer also offers a sweeter, mint-flavored liqueur, Branca Menta.
Consumption
Fernet-Branca is often consumed neat as a
digestivo, or as a mixing component (usually supportive and not as the primary ingredient) in cocktails such as the "
Toronto",[17] the "
Fanciulli" and the "
Hanky Panky".
In Argentina fernet con coca – Fernet-Branca with Coca-Cola – is a popular drink.[18][19] Some sources report that over 75% of all fernet produced worldwide is consumed there.[20]
In the United States it has been referred to as "The Bartender’s Handshake".[16][21] It is estimated that 35% of all Fernet-Branca imported into the US is consumed in
San Francisco.[22]
^"Frateli Branca Destilerías - Institucional". 31 May 2020. Con las migraciones italianas de fines del siglo XIX llegó Fernet Branca a la Argentina. Debido a su gran aceptación, la compañía decidió en 1925 que la empresa Hofer & C. de Buenos Aires -concesionaria exclusiva para la venta del famoso "amaro" italiano- elaborara la bebida a partir del extracto enviado desde la casa matriz italiana.