Fernet con coca is a popular mixed drink from Argentina. It consists of Fernet, an Italian amaro (bitter, aromatic spirit), and Coca-Cola. The typical ratio is one part Fernet to three parts Coca-Cola, often served in a tall glass with ice.

Fernet arrived in Argentina with Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most common brand used is Fernet-Branca, produced in Milan since 1845 and manufactured locally in Buenos Aires since 1941. Fernet’s initial popularity in Argentina was tied to its purported digestive qualities and use as a medicinal tonic.

The practice of mixing Fernet with Coca-Cola reportedly began in the 1980s in Córdoba, Argentina. The oldest written references to Fernet con coca as a standardized mixed drink date from the early 1990s. The drink became very popular among young people, especially university students in Córdoba, and spread throughout the country in subsequent decades.

By the 2000s, Fernet con coca had become a staple of social gatherings and nightlife in Argentina. Consumption increased significantly during that period, leading to high per capita Fernet consumption in the country—by some estimates, Argentina consumes over 75% of the global Fernet production. Fernet con coca is sometimes referred to as simply “fernet” in Argentina, and bars commonly serve it ready-mixed.

The popularity of Fernet con coca has been recognized in advertising campaigns by both Fernet-Branca and Coca-Cola. Variations exist, including different proportions and the addition of lemon juice. Fernet con coca remains closely associated with Argentine identity and is less common outside Argentina, though it is also consumed in Uruguay. The drink is served in bars, clubs, and social events across Argentina.