Ingredients
- 1/3 oz OP Rum
- 1/3 oz Hot Coffee
- 1 1/3 oz Lime Juice
Instructions
Prepare the Shot Glass:
- Begin by pouring 1/3 oz of lime juice into the shot glass.
Add Hot Coffee:
- Carefully pour 1/3 oz of hot coffee over the lime juice.
Top with OP Rum:
- Gently layer 1/3 oz of OP rum on top of the hot coffee.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the bold and unique flavors of the Ferrari Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Ferrari is a modern classic, born from the Italian tradition of amaro and aperitivo culture. While its exact genesis is hazy, it gained traction in the late 20th century, particularly among bartenders and amaro enthusiasts in Italy and abroad. It is a testament to the country's rich bitter liqueur heritage.
This drink sits firmly in the digestif category, a simple but potent blend. Unlike its more approachable cousin, the Negroni, the Ferrari offers no softening vermouth or gin. It strips down to the bare, intense core of Campari and Fernet Branca, making it a unique beast among two-ingredient cocktails. It is a pure expression of bitterness.
You would order a Ferrari when you are looking for a serious after-dinner drink, or when you want to challenge your palate. It is a staple in many Italian-American restaurants with a good bar, and definitely found in serious cocktail establishments. This is not a backyard BBQ sipper, it is a statement drink.
What it tastes like
The Ferrari delivers a full-frontal assault of bitterness. Campari brings its signature notes of bitter orange, rhubarb, and a hint of cherry. This is immediately followed and amplified by Fernet Branca's intense herbal, minty, and mentholic complexity, with a deep, almost medicinal bitterness that lingers. It is a potent, aromatic, and undeniably challenging flavor profile.
Given its equal parts Campari (around 24% ABV) and Fernet Branca (around 39% ABV), a typical 3 oz Ferrari will land somewhere in the 31 to 32% ABV range. This makes it significantly stronger than most beers, which are usually 4 to 6% ABV. Drink this one slowly, it packs a serious alcoholic punch along with its bitter intensity.
The technique
Building a Ferrari is straightforward. Combine equal parts Campari and Fernet Branca in a mixing glass with ice. Stir thoroughly until well chilled, usually for about 20 to 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled small rocks glass or even a cordial glass, either neat or over a single large ice cube. The timing is quick, but the chilling is key.
The most important technique tip is to ensure your ingredients are thoroughly chilled before mixing, and to stir it long enough with ice. This brings down the temperature without over-diluting the drink. A cold drink tempers the intense bitterness slightly, making it more palatable without losing its punch.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Campari
- Use
- Classic Campari is the only way here. Its specific bitter orange and herbal profile is fundamental.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with Aperol or other lighter aperitivos. They lack the necessary bitter backbone and will result in a completely different drink.
- Why
- Campari provides the backbone of bitter orange and a vibrant red color. It is one half of the drink's identity.
Fernet Branca
- Use
- Fernet Branca is non-negotiable. Its unique blend of herbs, spices, and mentholic bitterness is what makes the Ferrari a Ferrari.
- Skip
- Avoid other amari unless you are intentionally making a different drink. No Amaro Montenegro, Jägermeister, or Cynar if you want a true Ferrari.
- Why
- Fernet Branca delivers the intense, complex, and almost medicinal herbal bitterness that defines this cocktail. It is the other half of the drink's identity.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Toronto
- Fernet Branca finds a home with rye whiskey.
- A classic cocktail featuring rye whiskey, Fernet Branca, simple syrup, and bitters. It shares Fernet's bold character but is softened by the whiskey and sweetness.
Fanciulli
- A Manhattan with a bitter, herbal twist.
- This drink takes a classic Manhattan recipe and swaps out the Angostura bitters for Fernet Branca. It offers a bridge between the familiar and the intensely bitter.
Americano
- Campari lightened with vermouth and soda.
- A refreshing pre-dinner drink made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It showcases Campari's profile in a much milder, spritz-like format.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
There is no direct substitute that maintains the Ferrari's character. For a similar bitter profile, try Cynar, but expect a different, more vegetal flavor.
This ingredient is unique. If you do not have it, you cannot make a Ferrari. Consider an Amaro Nonino or Ramazzotti for a different, milder amaro experience.
A small tumbler, old fashioned glass, or even a cordial glass will work just fine. The key is a sturdy, small vessel.
Any long spoon will do for stirring. Just ensure it reaches the bottom of your mixing glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Ferrari?
A Ferrari cocktail is made with equal parts Campari and Fernet Branca.
Is the Ferrari a strong drink?
Yes, the Ferrari is a very strong drink, typically around 31 to 32% ABV.
What does a Ferrari taste like?
It tastes intensely bitter, herbal, minty, and slightly medicinal, with a prominent bitter orange flavor.
Is the Ferrari a digestif?
Yes, it is often served as a digestif to aid digestion after a meal due to its bitter and herbal properties.
How do you drink a Ferrari?
The Ferrari is meant to be sipped slowly, either neat or over a single large ice cube, to appreciate its complex bitterness.
What glass is a Ferrari served in?
It is typically served in a small rocks glass, an old fashioned glass, or even a cordial glass.
Is the Ferrari cocktail related to the car brand?
There is no direct official relation to the Ferrari car brand. The name likely refers to its potent, fast-hitting nature or its red color.
Can you mix a Ferrari with soda water?
While you can add soda to any drink, doing so would dilute the intense character of the Ferrari and turn it into a different cocktail.
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