Branca Menta Recipe

Chill glass

Place the serving glass (a rocks glass or coupe) in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to chill it.

Add ingredients to shaker

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1.5 oz Fernet‑Branca, 0.5 oz green crème de menthe, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup and 1 dash Angostura bitters.

Dry stir (optional)

If you prefer a softer dilution and to slightly marry the bitter/herbal flavors before chilling, stir the mixture without ice for 10–15 seconds. This step is optional.

Shake with ice

Add about 6 ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted. This both chills and dilutes the high‑proof Fernet to balance the mint liqueur.

Prepare serving glass

Discard ice water from the chilled glass if used and add 4 fresh ice cubes (or a single large ice cube) to the glass.

Strain

Double‑strain the shaken cocktail over the fresh ice into the serving glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to catch any small shards or pulp from the lime.

Garnish and finish

Express the oils from a lime wheel over the drink by squeezing it briefly and run it around the glass rim, then drop it in. Slap the mint sprig once between your hands to release aromatics and place it next to the lime as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Tasting note

The result is an herbaceous, minty‑bitter cocktail: Fernet’s deep camphor and herbal notes are brightened by the sweet mint liqueur and fresh lime, with bitters and dilution bringing balance.