Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

Fernet con Coca

Serves 2 Beverage vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, Beverages

Fernet con Coca

Fernet con Coca is a staple in Córdoba, its birthplace, and has since become a beloved fixture throughout Argentina. This iconic highball cocktail is enjoyed both in bustling bars and the comfort of home. It's the perfect companion for a Saturday night in Córdoba or to keep the conversation flowing at an asado that stretches into the evening.

The drink delivers an intriguing balance of bitter and sweet, with the herbal complexity of Fernet-Branca softened by the familiar sweetness of Coca-Cola. Served in a tall glass brimming with ice, it offers a refreshing contrast to the sizzling heat of grilled meats, making it a cherished part of Argentina's social fabric.

Ingredients

  • 120 ml (1/2 cup)Fernet-Branca
  • 360 ml (1 1/2 cups)Cola
  • iceplenty

Method

  1. Begin by selecting two tall glasses, ideally highball glasses, as they are perfect for this drink. Fill each glass generously with plenty of ice, ensuring the ice reaches the top. This will keep the drink chilled and refreshing, which is essential for the proper enjoyment of Fernet con Coca.
  2. Measure 120 ml (1/2 cup) of Fernet-Branca using a jigger or measuring cup. Pour the Fernet slowly over the ice in each glass. This slow pour helps to chill the Fernet as it cascades over the ice, enhancing its aromatic profile.
  3. Next, measure 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) of Cola. Pour the Cola gently over the Fernet in each glass. The typical ratio is about one part Fernet to three parts Cola, which balances the bitterness of the Fernet with the sweetness of the Cola.
  4. Take a long spoon and give the mixture a single, gentle stir in each glass. This brief stir is enough to combine the ingredients without over-mixing, which could dilute the flavors.
  5. Taste the drink to ensure the balance is correct. The Fernet should still be discernible with its characteristic bitterness, not overwhelmed by the sweetness of the Cola. Adjust with a little more Cola if needed, but avoid turning the drink into a candy-like sweetness.
  6. Serve the Fernet con Coca immediately while the ice is still fresh and the drink is well-chilled. Enjoy the complex interplay of bitter and sweet flavors that make this a beloved Argentine classic.