Fernet con cola is Argentina’s undisputed drink, especially in the province of Córdoba, where it became a true social ritual.
It combines the herbal bitterness of fernet, an Italian-origin liqueur made from 27 herbs, with the sweetness of cola, striking a characteristic balance.
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Argentine Fernet and Cola Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Argentine
Ingredients
- 60 ml of fernet (about 2 oz)
- 140 ml of cola soda (about 4.75 oz)
- to taste of ice
Instructions
- Prepare the glass, fill a tall glass with ice all the way to the top.
- Add the fernet, pour the fernet over the ice.
- Add the cola, gently add the cola, tilting the glass so it doesn’t lose its fizz.
- Stir, stir just once, from bottom to top, with a long spoon or a straw.
- Serve, serve right away, well chilled.
Tips for getting it right
- The classic ratio is 30% fernet to 70% cola, though beginners are advised to start with less fernet.
- Filling the glass with ice to the top before serving keeps the drink cold longer.
- Adding the cola while tilting the glass helps it retain its fizz.
- Stirring just once, not excessively, keeps the drink from going flat.
Traditional variations
- Some people add a lemon wedge for a citrus touch.
- There’s also a lighter version with less fernet for those who prefer a milder drink.
How to serve
Fernet con cola is served well chilled, in a tall glass with ice, as an aperitif or drink to share.
It’s the quintessential drink of Argentine social gatherings, especially in Córdoba, where it’s part of everyday social life.
Recommended sides
- Picada (snack platter)
- Peanuts
Did you know?
Fernet is an Italian-origin liqueur made from a blend of 27 herbs, which became a drink with its own identity in Argentina.
The 30% fernet to 70% cola ratio is considered the classic mix that balances herbal bitterness with the soda’s sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most widely accepted ratio is 30% fernet to 70% cola, though beginners usually start with a lower proportion of fernet.
Tilting the glass while pouring the soda helps it lose less fizz, keeping the drink bubblier.
It's recommended to stir just once, from bottom to top, to blend the drink without it losing too much fizz.
It's especially popular in the province of Córdoba, where it became a deeply rooted social ritual.
