Grapefruit Fernet Cooler

A few years back I made my way over to Argentina and was very interested in the cocktail scene, especially with their use of Fernet Branca. I drank a lot of Fernet and coke but left Argentina wanting to experiment with Fernet in other cocktails. So, I started drinking a lot of Fernet cocktails out at bars in Seattle. Some of these included Fernet mixed with mezcal, tequila, rum, and bourbon. Being from the south my pick was always Fernet and bourbon.

The recipe below uses rye whiskey, which highlights the flavors of grapefruit and bourbon. I added a bit of Grand Marnier which complements the citrus flavor. I favor cocktails that can also be made in large quantities for parties such as a punch. This Fernet cocktail would serve great as a punch and grapefruit slices could be added to give it a beautiful presentation. I hope you enjoy this cocktail as much as I did! Salud!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1 ounce Fernet Branca
  • 1 ounce grapefruit juice
  • ¼ cup of club soda

Method:

  1. Fill the glass with bourbon, Grand Marnier, Fernet, and grapefruit juice
  2. Stir contents until they are completely mixed
  3. Pour mixture into a double old-fashioned glass over fresh ice
  4. Top with club soda
  5. Garnish with grapefruit slices