Argentina - “Salud”
Our Cheers Around the World series is a celebration to those cultures across the globe and their expression of goodwill through the ceremonial clink. Next stop: Argentina!
Drink of Choice: Fernet
Ask any Argentine and they’ll tell you all about their love for Fernet. This unlikely aromatic spirit has reached mythological status in Argentina, making up 30% of all alcohol consumed in this vivacious country. While Fernet was originally brought to Argentina by Italian immigrants in the 19th century, Argentines now drink three times as much Fernet as Italians do. Originally served as a digestif after meals, Fernet is now enjoyed most commonly as a shot with friends or with cola as Fernet con Coca. Fernet is bitter, spicy, herbal, and it definitely takes some getting used to. While you may not appreciate it in the beginning, Argentines will tell you that Fernet will win you over in the end. Which is for the best, because when visiting Argentina you can expect to drink a lot of it. Argentines are also known to be generous, so you may even find locals buying you shots of Fernet!
Salud! Con Malbec y Picada
Other than Fernet, Argentina is known and respected around the world for its wine, which lies at the heart of Argentine culture. Malbec, Argentina’s most famous and most common wine, holds a special place in the hearts of the locals, earning international acclaim. It’s ordinary to have a glass with dinner, and even more so when sharing a picada (a sampling of meats and cheeses, similar to the French charcuterie), a specific meal meant to be enjoyed... slowly. Wine and picada are as much about enjoying the drink and food as they are about enjoying the company and conversation of others. Argentines are so warm that it’s common for them to make new friends wherever they are, even with total strangers, so you may find yourself being invited to a picada. Be sure to lift your glass and toast your new friends with “Salud!” and enjoy the flowing wine—and flowing conversation.
Slow and Fast
Argentina moves at its own speed. Argentines will tell you there’s no need to be in a rush about anything, just enjoy life and go with the flow. In fact, being on time for anything in Argentina is seen as rude – outside of work, anyway. While that may seem backwards to outsiders, Argentines adhere to a cultural standard of being fashionably late to almost everything. Partially because of Argentina’s easy-going culture, the nightlife is very different than other places in the world. Many bars and clubs don’t get busy until 1:00am, and most of them stay open until 6:00am! Because of the afternoon siestas, many Argentines have extra energy to stay up late... or maybe they need to siesta because they stay up late. Either way, while they may take their time during the day, at night Argentines are known to be spontaneous and romantic. Of all the peoples that speak romance languages, Argentines are known to be the most romantic, and they express that romance at night, either dancing in modern clubs or dancing the classical tango.
Let’s make Fernet con Coca!
Fernet con Coca is Argentina’s most-consumed mixed drink. According to legend, it was invented in the province of Cordoba by local drummer Oscar “el Negro” Becerra in the 1970s. At the time, Fernet was usually mixed with soda water, but Becerra had no soda water so he added Coca-Cola instead. The sweetness perfectly complemented Fernet’s bitterness, and it slowly caught on as a popular drink. It wasn’t until the 90s that it went viral, thanks to a series of ad campaigns by the brand Fernet Branca.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fernet Branca
- 6 oz Coca-Cola
- Lemon Twist
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Pour the Fernet over the ice
- At an angle, fill the glass with Coke
- Garnish with a lemon twist & serve
- Salud!