Enzo
Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 10.3% ABV ∙
The Enzo is a low-ABV built highball of Fernet Branca, a red bitter such as Campari, and sweet vermouth, topped with soda and served long. Bittersweet and herbal with a bracing menthol edge from the Fernet, softened by the vermouth's raisined sweetness and lengthened by fizzy soda into an easy session sipper.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the chilled glass: Fernet Branca liqueur 20 mlRed bitter 20 mlCarpano Antica Formula vermouth 45 mlSoda water 90 ml
- Fill the glass with ice
- Garnish with an orange wheel
Tips
- Pour the Fernet Branca, red bitter and Carpano Antica into the chilled glass first, then fill it with large cubes — the card builds the liquids before the ice goes in.
- Add the chilled soda water last and pour gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation rather than stirring it flat.
- Give the drink just one or two short stirs after adding soda so the layers combine without losing fizz.
- Cut the orange wheel just before serving and rest it on the rim so its oils release slowly as the drink is sipped.
History
The Enzo is a contemporary riff on the Americano, the Italian bittersweet highball of vermouth, red bitter liqueur, and soda that first took shape in 19th-century Italy. In this variation, the Campari component is replaced with a Ferrari, a bartenders' shot made of equal parts Fernet-Branca and Campari whose own inventor is not established. The drink takes its name from Enzo Ferrari, the Italian racing driver and founder of the Ferrari automobile marque, after whom the Fernet-and-Campari shot is named. The specific origin and creator of the Enzo cocktail itself are not documented.
FAQ
What is in an Enzo?
Fernet Branca, a red bitter such as Campari, and Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth, built over ice and topped with chilled soda water. It is garnished with an orange wheel and served in a Collins glass.
Is an Enzo shaken or stirred?
Neither — it is built directly in the glass over ice, with the soda water added last and stirred only briefly to combine. Building preserves the soda's carbonation, which shaking or stirring vigorously would knock out.
What glass is an Enzo served in?
A Collins glass, built over ice and garnished with an orange wheel.
