Welcome back to Cocktails Around the World! We’re heading south to uncover the magic of Argentina.
From the lively streets of Buenos Aires to the picturesque vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina has a rich tradition of crafting cocktails that reflect its diverse culture. Blending European influences with fresh, local ingredients and a touch of Latin American flair, Argentina’s drinks are all about passion, creativity, and flavor.
So, whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just love trying something new, join us on this adventure. Dust off your tango shoes, pour yourself a drink, and let’s dive into the spirited world of Argentine cocktails!
➐ Fernet con Coca
This iconic cocktail, affectionately known as Fernandito by locals, pairs the bitter, herbal notes of Fernet with the sweet fizz of Coca-Cola. Its rise to fame began in the mid-1980s, fueled by a joint advertising campaign and the enthusiasm of university students in Córdoba. Today, Argentina consumes over 75% of the world's Fernet, making this drink a cultural staple.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Fernet
- 4 oz Coca-Cola
Instructions:
- Pour Fernet into a rocks glass filled with ice
- Top with Coca-Cola
➏ Vincha Rosada
Created during Argentina's golden age of cocktails in the 1930s by Santiago “Pichín” Policastro, Vincha Rosada represents the democratization of cocktail culture. Initially reserved for the elite, Policastro's influence brought cocktails to the masses through television, making them accessible to all.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Real Grenadine Syrup
- 2 oz rum
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz kirschwasser
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice
- garnish with a lemon twist.
➎ Lunfardo
The Lunfardo cocktail is named after a slang that originated in Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. Initially used by the criminal underworld and prisoners to communicate secretly, Lunfardo later spread to the streets and became a key part of the city's culture, even appearing in Tango lyrics.
During the same period, Malbec wine, imported from France, gained popularity among the working classes for its accessibility and unpretentiousness. Both Lunfardo and Malbec symbolize the growing national pride and identity of Argentina's working class in the late 19th century.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Classic Gum Syrup
- 1 ½ oz fernet
- 2 oz Melbec wine
Instructions
- Shake with ice
- Strain into a cocktail glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist
➍ Tincho
A celebration of Argentina's indigenous Torrentés grape, the Tincho cocktail refreshes with its floral aromas and citrusy flavors, embodying local pride and heritage.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Rio Red Grapefruit Cordial
- 5 oz Torrentés wine
- lime wedge
Instructions
- Pour wine over ice in a wine glass
- Add grapefruit cordial
- Squeeze and drop in lime
➌ Puña Sour
Inspired by the classic Pisco Sour, this drink swaps Pisco for Torrentés wine, showcasing the creativity of Argentine bartenders and their love for local ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Classic Gum Syrup
- 2 oz Torrentés wine
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Dry shake ingredients
- Add ice and shake again
- Strain into a coupe glass
- Garnish with rosemary
➋ Dia de Campo
This cocktail celebrates the winter solstice with yerba mate-infused vodka, a nod to the sacred traditions of Argentina's indigenous people.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz yerba mate-infused vodka
- 1 oz oz Campari
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz apricot brandy
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a glass with ice
- Stir to combine.
➊ Matecito
The ultimate summer refresher, Matecito combines the earthy flavors of yerba mate with a crisp, chilled twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Classic Gum Syrup
- 2 cup yerba mate tea
- 1 oz lime juice
Instructions
- Pour tea over ice
- Add lime juice and syrup
- Stir to combine.
There you have it, a taste of Argentina's cocktail culture that celebrates local ingredients and the rich history of this passionate nation. Which one will you try first?
See how these cocktails are crafted by checking out our video!
