Fernet

Though most brands keep their recipe secret, this Italian-style liqueur is typically made with a blend of various spices and herbs such as saffron, juniper, rhubarb, aloe, chamomile, and mint. Because of the extensive list of ingredients, Fernet is characterized by its complexity and a usually a unique, bittersweet flavor.

The most popular brand is the Milan-based Fernet Branca, invented in 1845 by Bernandino Branca. The drink has been a mainstay in Italy and Argentina, and lately, it has been experiencing a somewhat of a renaissance because of its use in some of the classic cocktails such as Toronto or Hanky Panky.

While Italians prefer to enjoy it as a digestif or incorporate it into café correto, in Argentina, it is mainly used alongside Coca-Cola to create the iconic Fernet-Cola.