Twenty-seven herbs from four continents — myrrh, saffron, gentian, rhubarb, chamomile, aloe — infused and rested a year in oak. Fernet-Branca is uncompromising, mentholated and profoundly bitter, and it is the bottle bartenders pour for each other at the end of a shift. It converts almost nobody halfway.
39% ABV70cl27 Herbs12 Months in OakMilan, Since 1845
Bernardino Branca creates a bitter tonic in Milan. It is sold, at first, as a medicine — for cholera, for digestion, for very nearly everything.
The Herbs
Twenty-seven botanicals drawn from four continents — saffron from Spain, rhubarb from China, myrrh, gentian, aloe, chamomile, galangal and peppermint.
A Year In Oak
The infusion rests twelve months in Slavonian oak before bottling, which rounds the edges without softening the bitterness.
The Handshake
Somewhere in the last few decades it became the drink bartenders buy each other. Order one and you are, quietly, one of them.
What Sets It Apart
Four Continents
Twenty-seven herbs sourced from around the world
A Year In Oak
Rested twelve months before it is bottled
Uncompromising
No sweetening to make it easier — this is the point
Same Recipe, 180 Years
Still family-owned, still made in Milan
Tasting Profile
Bitterness
Menthol
Saffron & Spice
Sweetness
MentholMyrrhSaffronBitter RootCooling Finish
How to Serve It
Neat, Ice Cold
A small measure straight from the freezer, after dinner
Fernet con Coca
Long over ice with cola — how Argentina drinks it
The Hanky Panky
Gin, sweet vermouth, two dashes — the Savoy, 1903
Pairs Well With
Very Dark Chocolate
Bitter meeting bitter, and both improving
Espresso
The two things that end an Italian dinner
A Heavy Meal
Its original job, and still the one it does best
Salted Almonds
Salt takes the sharpest edge off
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Milan, Italy
Style
Fernet — Italian bitter
Botanicals
27 herbs and roots
Maturation
12 months in oak
ABV
39%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
Is it really that bitter?
Yes. Fernet-Branca is one of the most bitter things sold in a bottle, and it makes no apology for it — menthol, myrrh and bitter root, with almost no sugar to cushion it. Served ice cold in a small glass it becomes bracing rather than punishing, which is the trick.
What is a fernet, exactly?
A style of Italian amaro: very bitter, low in sugar, built on herbs and roots rather than fruit, and traditionally drunk as a digestivo. Fernet-Branca is the original and by far the best known — the style is effectively named after it.
Why do bartenders drink it?
Partly because it genuinely helps after a long shift and a lot of tasting, partly as a shared code. Ordering a shot of Fernet in a bar staffed by people who know it is the closest the trade has to a secret handshake.
Who is this a good gift for?
Anyone who works behind a bar, anyone who already loves amari, and the person who claims nothing is too bitter for them. Be warned: it is a strong opinion in a bottle, so give it to someone who enjoys those.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Fernet-Branca responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
