Fernet-Branca substitutes
The closest substitute for Fernet-Branca is Jägermeister, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Similar herbal profile, sweeter. In a pinch, use Cynar, Amaro Nonino or Braulio.
What to use instead of Fernet-Branca
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
JägermeisterWorks, tastes different Similar herbal profile, sweeter. Same amount | Same amount | 35% ABV | −1 point |
CynarLast resort Much milder. Same amount | Same amount | 16.5–35% ABV | −2 points |
Amaro NoninoLast resort Much milder. Same amount | Same amount | 35% ABV | −1 point |
BraulioLast resort Much milder and less minty. Same amount | Same amount | 21% ABV | −1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Fernet-Branca, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Fernandito
50ml (1⅔ oz) Fernet-Branca → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Jägermeister
About 10% ABV → about 9% ABV−1 point
- Hanky Panky
7.5ml (¼ oz) Fernet-Branca → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Jägermeister
About 23% ABV → about 22% ABV−1 point
- Midnight Stinger
22ml (¾ oz) Fernet-Branca → 22ml (¾ oz) Jägermeister
About 31% ABV → about 30% ABV−1 point
- Newark
7.5ml (¼ oz) Fernet-Branca → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Jägermeister
About 26% ABV → about 25% ABV−1 point
- Toronto
7.5ml (¼ oz) Fernet-Branca → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Jägermeister
About 32% ABV → about 31% ABV−1 point
- Eeyore's Requiem
7.5ml (¼ oz) Fernet-Branca → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Jägermeister
Same strength
- Fanciulli
7.5ml (¼ oz) Fernet-Branca → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Jägermeister
Same strength
- Industry Sour
22.5ml (¾ oz) Fernet-Branca → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Jägermeister
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Fernet-Branca | Jägermeister |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 39–43% ABV | 35% ABV |
| Taste | Intensely bitter, Menthol, Herbal, Medicinal | Complex herbal, Sweet, Bitter, Anise, Ginger warmth |
| Aroma | Menthol, Herbs, Bitter, Eucalyptus, Earthy | Licorice, Anise, Herbs, Citrus peel, Spice |
| Finish | Long, Bitter, Cooling, Cleansing | Bittersweet, Herbal, Warming, Medium length |
Bottles like Fernet-Branca
Luxardo Fernet is made in the same style as Fernet-Branca, so it swaps in at the same amount. How they differ
What is Fernet-Branca?
Fernet-Branca is an intensely bitter Italian amaro with menthol and herbal flavors. Beloved by bartenders as a digestif and increasingly in cocktails.
Got Fernet-Branca? It also replaces
Questions about Fernet-Branca substitutes
What is the best substitute for Fernet-Branca?
Jägermeister is the closest substitute for Fernet-Branca, though the drink will taste a little different. Similar herbal profile, sweeter. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Fernet-Branca in a Hanky Panky?
Jägermeister: swap 7.5ml (¼ oz) of Fernet-Branca for 7.5ml (¼ oz) of Jägermeister. It ends up about 22% ABV instead of about 23%.
What else tastes like Fernet-Branca?
Luxardo Fernet is made in the same style as Fernet-Branca, so it swaps in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Jägermeister instead of Fernet-Branca change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Fernandito, which goes from about 10% to about 9% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Fernet-Branca?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.