Fernandito

Fernandito

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Argentina’s iconic bittersweet highball cocktail combining Fernet-Branca with cola over ice.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Highball Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (180ml)
  • Fernet Branca 
    50 ml
  • Coca Cola 
    110 ml
  • Ice 
    1 glass
  • Lime 
    1 piece
Recipe credit: Traditional Argentine Recipe

Instructions

Step

Fill a highball glass completely with fresh ice cubes to ensure proper chilling and dilution

Step

Measure and pour 50ml Fernet-Branca over the ice using a jigger for accuracy

Step

Slowly pour 110ml cola over the Fernet, allowing it to flow gently to preserve carbonation and create a foamy head

Step

Gently stir with a bar spoon just enough to combine ingredients without losing carbonation

Step

Garnish with an optional lime wedge on the rim and serve immediately

Equipment

Jigger
Bar spoon

Description

The Fernandito, also known as “Fernet con Coca,” is Argentina’s beloved national cocktail that embodies the spirit of South American socializing. This deceptively simple highball combines the complex herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca with the sweet effervescence of cola, creating a refreshing drink that’s both sophisticated and approachable. Popular among younger generations and served at everything from casual gatherings to football matches, the Fernandito represents Argentine culture in a glass.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (180ml)
Calories
142
ABV
15.6 %
Alcohol
17.5 g
Carbs
18 g
Carbs from Sugar
18 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0 g
Sodium
8 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use authentic Fernet-Branca for the most traditional flavor profile - other fernet brands will create subtle but noticeable differences

  • Adjust the ratio to personal preference: 1:2 for bold herbal character, up to 1:3 for a smoother, sweeter drink

  • Pour cola slowly against the side of the glass to maintain maximum carbonation and create the signature foamy head

  • Serve immediately after preparation as the drink is best enjoyed when ice-cold with full carbonation

  • Keep both Fernet and cola well-chilled before mixing to minimize ice dilution and maximize refreshment

The classic Argentine ratio is 1 part Fernet to 2 parts cola (1:2), though many people adjust to 1:3 for a milder flavor. Start with 1:2 and adjust according to your taste preference.

While Fernet-Branca is the traditional choice and most popular in Argentina, other fernet brands can be used. Each will provide subtle flavor variations, but Fernet-Branca offers the most authentic experience.

The Fernandito became a cultural phenomenon in Argentina, especially among younger generations. It represents social bonding and national identity, commonly enjoyed at gatherings, barbecues, and football matches as a symbol of Argentine conviviality.

Coca-Cola is the traditional and preferred choice for authentic Fernandito flavor. Its specific vanilla-caramel profile complements Fernet’s herbal complexity perfectly, though other premium colas can be substituted.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Fernet Branca
    50 ml
  • Coca Cola
    110 ml
  • Ice
    1 glass
  • Lime
    1 piece

Method

  1. Fill a highball glass completely with fresh ice cubes to ensure proper chilling and dilution
  2. Measure and pour 50ml Fernet-Branca over the ice using a jigger for accuracy
  3. Slowly pour 110ml cola over the Fernet, allowing it to flow gently to preserve carbonation and create a foamy head
  4. Gently stir with a bar spoon just enough to combine ingredients without losing carbonation
  5. Garnish with an optional lime wedge on the rim and serve immediately