It’s great to have you back with us for another round of In Good Spirits! Whether you are new or have already joined us for the first couple of weeks, we are happy you're here & there’s still time for you to take part in our inaugural Cocktail Competition where you have a chance to submit your own cocktail recipe and win $500! Scroll to the end for the details!

Fernet Fantasy : A Bittersweet Love Affair

Fernet-Branca. It’s funky. It’s mysterious. It's weird. But what the heck is it?

Fernet, a type of Amaro, is an herbal liqueur packed with herbs, spices, and attitude. It stands out for its minty and medicinal taste (reminiscent of a "blitzed-up Christmas tree"). In terms of approachability, think of it like a Negroni's cousin, but a lot edgier.

Before we go further, it’s worth noting that Edoardo Branca, CEO and recipe gatekeeper of Fratelli Branca mentions that Fernet is “not a spirit for everybody,” Not exactly a glowing endorsement!

A brief history

 Fernet-Branca was originally created in Italy, to function as a medicine for cholera patients, due to its s appetite-aiding effects. When Prohibition in the United States was instituted in the 1920’s, the FDA determined that Fernet-Branca could still be sold as medicine, and lots of thirsty Americans used this as a chance to get their hands on some much needed hooch. Since that time, it’s obviously taken hold.

A Different Kind of Medicine

While it may not be to everyone’s liking, today, chefs and bartenders alike adore Fernet as a post-shift drink. Some might point to it for its potency, while also being the perfect palate cleanser after a night of rich food (or grueling work). Others say it’s the perfect antidote for settling the stomach and curing hangovers (though, you know, no promises). Check out highlights from a Fernet-fueled binge with chef Helen Nguyen of NYC’s Saigon Social for a good example on how some industry folks enjoy Fernet on a night off from the bar 🙃 

Meanwhile, in Argentina…

Argentines drink Fernet. Like, a lot it- purchasing roughly 75% of the global supply! Not surprisingly, the National Drink of Argentina features Fernet. We think Greg from How to Drink gives a pretty good rundown of Fernet con Coca, aka “Fernando.”

There are also plenty of classic and modern cocktails that use Fernet in them as a modifier, such as one of Lui’s personal favorite, The Good Enough Gatsby, though usually it is used sparingly.

 Fernet Coins: The Secret Handshake of the Food World

Ever see a bartender slam down a mysterious coin on the bar? Its probably a Fernet-Branca challenge coin, and it's way more than just a collector's item.

• What's the Big Deal? If you have a Fernet coin, you're "in the club" – a member of the craft cocktail community. It shows you respect the craft, and probably know your stuff!

• The Bartender Handshake is actually a drinking game! How it Works: 

  • Someone challenges you to show your coin.

  • If you can't, you buy them a drink.

  • If you CAN, they owe you.

• It Started as a Joke... ...but quickly became a serious symbol of bartender camaraderie. Now there are coins for cities, events, even whole countries!

• Building Connections: Having a coin breaks the ice, gets you shots of Fernet (even if you secretly hate it!), and signals to other bartenders that you're one of them.

How to Get One:

• Join a bartending guild

• Attend cocktail events

• Get lucky when a Fernet rep visits your bar

Some bartenders love them so much, they get tattoos of their coins! Whether you collect them or just have one, these coins are a unique way to connect with fellow cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

Our Take: Sometimes a spirit or brand can transcend popularity and become something more and develop a cult following. Whether your personally like it or not, it's hard to deny the impact that that bottle has had on this industry. Plus, you can never have too much camaraderie.

Is there such a thing as “Healthy” alcohol?

In today's wellness-conscious world, many are seeking healthier alternatives, even in their cocktail choices. From low-calorie concoctions to nutrient-rich ingredients, the quest for “healthier” cocktails & alcohol is on the rise.

Let's be honest, we've all heard the saying that a glass of Red Wine is actually good for you? Or even that Tequila is the healthiest spirit to drink.

Online wellness enthusiasts are getting creative, incorporating fresh juices, herbal infusions, and organic spirits to craft guilt-free libations. There’s a definite tie-in to the bar and cocktail scene, as there are people out there looking to enjoy the cocktail experience without compromising health.

It’s also worth noting that according to the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis that steady growth is expected to continue in the low and non-alcohol space, particularly in the alcohol-free category. 

With a focus on balance and moderation, enthusiasts are exploring ways to indulge without compromising their health goals. There’s even been a huge push for actual hangover cures, which online influencers like @Barchemistry and tons of others within the online community are promoting. Though we are of course not recommending them, simply pointing out the desire for them. We do however applaud the attempt.

This trend towards healthier spirits & cocktails mirrors a broader shift towards mindful drinking, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and mindful consumption. While that's admirable, and better than where we have been in the past, the truth is according to the world health organization, there is NO healthy amount or type of alcohol that can be consumed.

Our Take : Alcohol is poison - let’s be up front about that. There is no healthy component to drinking cocktails or wine, or any spirit, but you DO have a say in what you put in your body. Enjoy the level of craftsmanship and attention that comes with making a quality cocktail, you (and your body) deserve it.

But just be very clear with yourself, no matter what alcohol you are consuming it is poison, even the best ones. So it may be a good idea to mix in some non-alcoholic options in every once in a while.

💵Submit an Original Cocktail & You Could Win $500!💵

In case you somehow missed it, we are running a cocktail contest and YOU COULD WIN $500!

In honor of this new Newsletter, which we launched a few wees ago, and as a way to give back to the community, we are hosting our inaugural cocktail competition!

Rules:

1. Submit an original cocktail that uses a South or Latin American flavor(s)

2. You have until Monday, March 18th to submit your cocktail.

3. Must be an original cocktail.

I will select 5 finalists and remake the cocktails in a video, before announcing the winner in that same video.

Good Luck!

🍸In Other News

• The Educated Barfly shares some incredible cocktails from the City of Boston, which isn't always known for it's cocktail excellence

• Kevin Kos recently shared an amazing alternative to Egg Whites, which he called Superfoam

• Does the price of your tequila matter? Lucas Assis made a great video exploring that