Coining new friendships: a night with Fernet-Branca

Events

Italian restaurant CiPiaCe Brussels was buzzing with good vibrations late November ‘24, as the Belgian Fernet-Branca Coin made its shiny debut.

Italian restaurant CiPiaCe Brussels was buzzing with good vibrations late November ‘24, as the Belgian Fernet-Branca Coin made its shiny debut. With cocktails flowing and new friendships being minted left and right, this was no run-of-the-mill night - it was a celebration of tradition, craft and community, Fernet-Branca style.

The evening kicked off with an inspiring masterclass by Emma Giannone, Fernet-Branca’s Brand Ambassador for Spain and Portugal. Emma captivated the crowd with spirited tales of the beloved bitter’s past, delving into the layered artistry that’s gone into every bottle since the 19th century. Later, she took on a guest shift behind the bar, shaking and stirring unique drinks with Belgian touches as well as serving the classics, each sip showcasing Fernet-Branca’s one-of-one character.

The star of the show: the Fernet-Branca Coin, a symbol of bartending unity that first flipped onto the scene in San Francisco in 2013. Originally created to commemorate the ‘Bartender’s Handshake’ - a ritual where bartenders shared a shot of Fernet-Branca during shift changes - the coin has since become a badge of honour for bartenders worldwide. When flashed, it signals instant recognition within a global community. No coin? No worries - this isn’t a story about exclusivity. It’s about sharing a moment over a glass of Fernet-Branca.

A legacy steeped in craftsmanship (and secrets)

Fernet-Branca’s story began in Milan in 1845 when young apothecary Bernardino Branca created an elixir that has since transcended generations. This Italian amaro, savoured for its bittersweet complexity, boasts a need-to-know recipe of 27 herbs sourced from around the world. Ingredients like South African saffron, Chinese rhubarb and Italian chamomile form the backbone of its distinctive flavour, while the rest remain a closely guarded family secret.

With its punchy aroma of aniseed, citrus and spice, Fernet-Branca is a sensory trip. The ritual of drinking it in three measured sips takes you on a unique ride: from the initial bitterness of Colombo and myrrh to the spiced richness of chamomile and zedoary (of the ginger family) and finally, a balanced aftertaste with notes of saffron.

Cheers to timelessness

The Belgian Fernet-Branca Coin release party hosted by Alcobrands was a celebration of a new token of camaraderie but also a toast to the lasting legacy of Fernet-Branca. From its origins as a medicinal elixir to its role as a wink-nod symbol of unity in the bartending world, this drink continues to inspire. Coins up for the timeless traditions of Fratelli Branca Distillerie and all that is still to be uncapped ahead.

Alcobrands is proud to add new chapters to the story of Fernet-Branca. Want to know more about our work for this exceptional brand? Get in touch with our team!

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