Fernet Herbal Smash
Recipe by Timo Wessels | Updated on 9. March 2023
The Fernet Herbal Smash is a simple, shaken, refreshing herbal drink made with fresh herbs and a considerable portion of Fernet Branca.

Image Source: original
Ingredients
- 60ml Fernet - Branca (herbal liqueur)
- 30ml Lemon Juice Fresh (citrus juice)
- 10ml Simple Syrup (sugar syrup)
- 3sprig (herb)
1x sprig of mint
Mixing Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the mixer tin.
- Add ice cubes.
- Shake for about 30 seconds.
- Double-Strain into the serving glass.
- Add crushed ice.
- Add a straw.
- Add your garnish.
Detailed Recipe Instructions
- Prepare your bottle setup.
- Prepare your Mise en Place.
- Prepare your garnish.
- Add all ingredients into the mixer tin.
- Add around 6 to 7 ice cubes into the shaker.
- Shake for about 30 seconds.
- Double-Strain into the serving glass.
- Add crushed ice into the serving glass.
- Add a short straw.
- Add your garnish.
- Clean up your working station.
how to garnish
- 1x sprig of mint, Place the sprig inside the glass.
Mixing Tips
General
- Start with the cheapest ingredients (the syrup) first.
Mise En Place
- Keep all equipment and ingredients within range. It will be easier and faster to mix the drink.
Glassware
- A chilled glass keeps your drink longer and more enjoyable. Your used ice will melt slower, and the taste will stay longer.
Technique
- If you double-strain the drink after shaking it, it will prevent those tiny particles of the herbs or spices from floating on top of the guest's glass.
Garnish
- Always use fresh herbs for the garnish.
ice cubes for shaking
Jigger
Fine Mesh Strainer
Hawthorne Strainer
Tin Tin Shaker
Editor Recipe Notes
I remembered a version I read some month ago in a book.
I was impressed and surprised that you could mix fantastic drinks with a liqueur, which I usually serve straight after dinner.
One of our regulars likes to drink Fernet Branca. And asked me if I could mix a nice drink for him.
So I simply made him a Smash and Sour style drink with some Lemon and Thyme.
Actually, it’s charming to try different Herbal Liqueurs in a drink and just mix them as a sour. The liqueur already has a lot of flavors. It contains sugar, so in the end, you can modify it with an additional herb and some acidity. So by the end, if you have some shelfware at the Bar or at home, why not just try it by yourself and be surprised =)
Flavour and Texture
chocolate, clove, mint
agave, cardamom, hawthorn
angular, elegant, lively