Fernet-Branca: A Different San Francisco Treat
Any San Franciscan, native or not, will tell you that Fernet-Branca is THE choice drink in most bars throughout the city. The Italian import, most commonly compared to Campari, Jagermeister, and cough syrup, is less sugary than other licorice-flavored liqueurs and also has a higher alcohol content. If you stick to Fernet and ginger ale (the preferred method of chasing in San Francisco) and don't mix it with beer or any other alcohol, you are guaranteed a great buzz and a hangover-free morning. If you do get a little crazy though, Fernet is a wonderful cure for a hangover. Just throw back a shot and you'll be raring to go.
No one is quite sure exactly what is in Fernet. In fact, nobody knows except for the Branca Family. And they intend on keeping the secret. What is known is it consists of a grape base infused with aloe, myrrh, chamomile, cardamom, and saffron. A form of bitters, it has dozens of other spices and herbs that contribute to it's "kick". Ask anyone in the city about Fernet-Branca and you'll get a hundred different opinions and stories and anecdotes about the celebrated "miracle" drink.
An interesting fact any local bartender will tell you, San Francisco consumes over 50% of all the Fernet-Branca sold in the entire United States and more per capita, according to a 2005 cover story in SF Weekly, than any other city in the world.
My experience with Fernet was one of complete surprise and utter lack of knowledge. Perhaps I had heard of the liqueur before, but never had I tried it. I definitely had no idea of it's popularity and adoration until I asked the tender at Hobson's Choice, a cozy joint in The Haight, for a recommendation. He poured me a shot of the dark brown, medicine-scented stuff, and gave me a ginger ale chaser. And I thought tequila was tough to swallow! After talking to a few peeps, and learning a bit more, I did some research. I learned quite a bit about Fernet-Branca and how much this city LOVES it. It's endearing, really, to know the respect San Franciscans have for the popular drink.
It is definitely an acquired taste (and I have to admit that I'm not yet sure whether or not I want to acquire it). If you aren't brave enough to try it straight, visit the Fernet-Branca website for a number of mixed drink recipes. But if you ever happen to sit on a bar stool in The City By The Bay, you've got to try it. As the saying goes, When in Rome...! Or, I guess in this case, When in San Francisco...!
