Fernet Branca is a bitter, aromatic spirit made from of over 40herbs and spices, including myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom andsaffron, with a base of grape alcohol. The recipe is a secret, and wascreated by the young Maria Scala in 1845 in Milan. Scala's name becameMaria Branca through marriage, and the product's name was born. TheFernet Branca is still produced in Milan by the company FratelliBranca, overseen by the Branca family.
Fernet Branca is usually served as a digestif after a meal, but mayalso be enjoyed with coffee and espresso, or mixed into coffee andespresso drinks. It may be enjoyed neat at room temperature or withice.
A mint flavored version of the Fernet Branca, the Branca Menta, isalso available.