Fernet with Coca-Cola is as popular and characteristic a drink in Argentina as mate itself. What it is and how to prepare this traditional drink.
In the vast universe of alcoholic beverages, there is one that stands out above all others in Argentina. It is the star that shines brightest in the Argentine sky, the light that guides celebrations to a good port and illuminates joy with a taste that is both bitter and sweet. We're talking about the famous fernet with Coca-Cola.
Fernet with Coca-Cola is a mixture of Italian bitter liqueur and cola soda that has become a cultural symbol rooted in Argentine identity. In its beginnings, the brands Fernet Branca and Coca-Cola monopolized the duo, but today the range of possibilities for making a good fernet with Coca-Cola is immense. It's even sold ready-made now!
But let's see, what makes this drink so special and why has it captured the hearts and taste buds of so many Argentines?
History of Fernet with Coca-Cola
Fernet is a bitter liqueur made from herbs and spices that has its roots in Italy, where it has been enjoyed for centuries as a digestif. However, it was in the Argentine province of Córdoba where fernet found its second home and became a cultural phenomenon.
According to the renowned company Fratelli Branca Distillerie, creator of fernet, it was in Córdoba where the famous combination that delights generations of Argentines and foreigners alike was born: the famous fernet with Coca-Cola!
Fernet with Coca-Cola also acquired its name in Córdoba, being called Fernando, also known by its diminutive Fernandito. Legend has it that it all began in a bar in the Cordovan city of Cruz del Eje over half a century ago.
Thus, fernet with Coca-Cola was born in Córdoba and became a great success throughout Argentina. Today it is a national drink, shared in every corner of the country and indispensable at parties, barbecues, and outings, sharing popularity with the indispensable Argentine wines and beer.
The Argentine Ritual of Fernet and a Unique Flavor
The consumption of fernet with Coca-Cola in Argentina is not simply about drinking; it is a ritual that involves camaraderie, friendship, and shared moments. Argentines gather in bars, restaurants, or at home to enjoy this drink together, often accompanied by lively conversation or a soccer match on television. It is a deeply rooted tradition that is part of the daily life of millions of people.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of fernet with Coca-Cola is its unique and balanced flavor. The bitterness of the fernet perfectly complements the sweetness and effervescent flavor of the soda, creating a taste experience that is difficult to replicate with other beverages. At first, many tourists are amazed by the taste, but over time they become accustomed to it and make it their favorite drink.
For all this and much more that cannot be expressed in words, fernet with Coca-Cola is much more than a simple alcoholic beverage; it is a symbol of Argentine identity and an expression of its warm and welcoming spirit. Whether you are enjoying a quiet evening at home or celebrating with friends in a bar, a good fernet will always be present.
Recipe for Fernet with Coca-Cola
Fernet with Coca-Cola is very easy to prepare. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to preparing this drink as if you were Argentine:
Ingredients:
1 part Fernet
3 parts Coca-Cola
Ice
Step 1: Get a tall glass or a large glass.
Step 2: Fill the glass with ice. The fernet ice should be very cold.
Step 3: Pour one part of fernet. The typical ratio is one part fernet to every three parts soda, but you can adjust it according to your taste preference.
Step 4: Add three parts cola soda.
Step 5: Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Ready! Enjoy your fernet with Coca-Cola with a resounding "Ahh!"
Cheers!