Fernet-Branca is the legendary Italian amaro that bartenders everywhere call “the bartender’s handshake,” and it has a proud spot on the back bar at Camp West, our cabin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in the West Seattle Junction. Intensely bitter, dark, and bracing, this fernet-style amaro is made by Fratelli Branca in Milan. We pour it for the after-dinner crowd, for industry friends who know the ritual, and as the backbone of our house cocktail, the Stregasaurus Rex, where its bold bitterness anchors the drink.
About the Producer
Fernet-Branca has been produced by Fratelli Branca in Milan, Italy, since 1845. It is made from a closely guarded blend of herbs, roots, and botanicals sourced from around the world, then aged before bottling. The recipe is famously secret, and the brand remains family-connected and instantly recognizable to bartenders worldwide.
Style & Flavor
Fernet-Branca is a fernet, the most bitter and aromatic category of Italian amaro. It is dark, dry, and powerfully bitter rather than sweet, with strong menthol and herbal character. It bottles at roughly 39% ABV and is prized as a digestif.
Tasting Notes
Expect bold aromas of mint and menthol over dark, earthy bitterness. The palate brings notes of bitter herbs, eucalyptus, saffron, myrrh, and a touch of licorice, finishing long, dry, and cooling. It is an acquired taste that fans find genuinely addictive.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
A pour of Fernet-Branca is $11 at Camp West. Sip it neat as a digestif after dinner, take it as a classic chilled shot, or order our Stregasaurus Rex cocktail, where it plays a starring role. It is also wonderful with a splash of cola or ginger ale if you want to ease into it.
FAQ
Why do bartenders love Fernet-Branca? Its intense, palate-resetting bitterness makes it a favorite end-of-shift ritual, which is how it earned the nickname “the bartender’s handshake.”
What does Fernet taste like? Very bitter and herbal, with strong mint and menthol and an earthy, dry finish. It is more bracing than sweet.
Come find your new favorite. Book a table, browse our liqueurs & amari list, or explore the full beverage menu.