Fernet Branca Recipe

Prepare glass

Place 3 large ice cubes into an old-fashioned (rocks) glass and set aside to chill while you mix the cocktail.

Build and shake

In a cocktail shaker add 1 cup of ice, 2 oz Fernet-Branca, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

Discard any meltwater from the chilled serving glass if necessary. Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared old-fashioned glass over the 3 fresh ice cubes using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer (or just the Hawthorne if you don't have a fine strainer).

Optional lengthen

If you prefer a longer, more refreshing version, top the cocktail with 1 oz chilled club soda and gently stir once to integrate. Skipping the soda yields a stronger, more spirit-forward drink.

Garnish and serve

Express a lemon twist over the drink by holding the twist skin-side down over the glass and giving it a quick squeeze to spray oils onto the surface. Rub the twist around the rim if desired, then drop it into the glass. Serve immediately.