5 Obscure Spirits Every Cocktail Connoisseur Should Know About

This is the holy grail of amari, containing a bouquet of herbaceous splendor derived from elements such as myrrh, linden, galangal, chamomile, cinnamon, saffron, iris, gentian, and bitter orange for a minty, licorice-y punch to the throat. In the best way. Perhaps the best known variety, Fernet-Branca was invented by a strapping Milanese named Bernardino Branca in 1845, who developed a 27-ingredient formula with miraculous health properties, claiming to be "invigorating, warming, and anti-choleric" and a "febrifuge and vermifuge." The elixir also proved useful for ailments such as menstrual cramps and hangovers, naturally. Drink it neat in a cordial glass after dinner to soothe the digestive tract, or do as the Argentinians do and ask for a Fernet coke. We guarantee you won't like it on the first try (legend has it the average palate must consume it twelve times before taking a liking), but doesn't the fun history make it sort of irresistible?

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