Fernet and IPA
The "bartender's handshake" — an ounce of Fernet-Branca with an IPA back
Ingredients
- 12 ozIPAHoppy American IPA, well chilledSubstitute: West Coast IPA traditional; NEIPA for softer pairing
- 1 ozFernet BrancaChilled, served as a shotSubstitute: Other fernet acceptable
Instructions
- Pour 1 oz chilled Fernet-Branca into a shot glass
Fernet kept in freezer is traditional
- Pour 12 oz hoppy American IPA into a pint glass alongside
Both glasses should be cold
- Shoot the Fernet, then chase with sips of the IPA
Technique Notes
Pour chilled Fernet into a shot glass, serve with IPA alongside — shoot the Fernet, chase with beer
Why the Fernet and IPA Works
Hop bitterness and amaro bitterness arrive differently: the hops are resinous and land early, the Fernet is medicinal and lingers. Because they peak at different moments the drink reads as layered rather than simply twice as bitter, and the beer's carbonation carries Fernet's menthol up through it.
Discover more
Explore beer cocktailsFeatured Bitters
Recipes with Fernet Branca
Fernet Tiramisu
Classic Italian tiramisu with Fernet-Branca in the espresso soak — an amaro-forward twist on the Veneto original
Fernet and Coke
The Argentine national drink — a tall, icy mix of Fernet-Branca and Coca-Cola, known locally as fernandito
Hanky Panky
Gin and sweet vermouth cocktail with Fernet Branca
Rabbit Fernet
Two fernets, lemon and strawberry syrup over crushed ice