Fernet About It

This week, we are joined by our guest Lydia (@lydvishus) to discuss the Bartender's Handshake, a.k.a. Fernet! We talk about Vesta and Lydia's common introduction to this famously bitter liquor, dive into where it came from in the first place, and branch out to talking about the wide world of Fernets past the ubiquitous Branca!

Cocktails Discussed:

Toronto

2 oz. Malahat 100% Rye Whiskey

1/4 oz. Black Market Spirits Throwback Fernet

1/4 oz. Demerara Syrup

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a orange twist.

The Waterfront

2 oz. Fernet-Vallet

1 oz. Rapa Giovanni Fernet Menta

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

Ginger Beer

Based on Damon Boelte's original recipe, as published in Amaro by Brad Thomas Parsons

Build the Fernets and lime juice in a highball or pilsner glass filled with ice. Briefly stir to combine, and fill to the top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.