The Wake-up Call is no gentle alarm signal, but a drink for anyone who needs a clear head in the morning or afternoon – or wants to lose it. Fernet Branca brings bitter herbal intensity, orange juice a fruity sharpness, and soda water makes the mix fizzy. No cocktail for the faint-hearted, but one that works: quick to make, no frills, with a kick that lingers.
And this is what you need for the Wake-up Call
1.5 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
1.5 cl Fernet Branca
1 splash lemon juice (approx. 0.2 cl)
10 cl soda water
ice cubes
The key to success
Fernet Branca is not an amaro for beginners, but that’s exactly what makes it the star here. The bitter herbal blend surprisingly pairs well with the sweetness of the orange—if you don’t drown it out. Important: The lemon juice goes in after the Fernet, otherwise the drink will taste flat. And the ice must be large—small cubes melt too quickly and dilute the mix before you take the first sip.
Variations
- Wake-up Call Spicy — Lightly muddle 1 slice fresh chili (e.g. Bird’s Eye) with the liquid ingredients in the glass before adding the ice. The heat accentuates the Fernet’s herbs and makes the drink even more invigorating.
- Wake-up Call Herbal — Replace the soda water with 8 cl cold tonic water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. The tonic intensifies the bitterness, while the rosemary adds a resinous note.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the orange juice with grapefruit juice?
Yes, but the bitterness of the Fernet will almost double. Reduce the amount to 1 cl and taste before adding more.
Why does my drink taste so watery?
Either the ice was too small, or you topped up the soda water too quickly. Use large cubes and let the soda gently run down the side of the glass.
Is there a non-alcoholic alternative?
Replace the Fernet with 1.5 cl non-alcoholic herbal bitter (e.g. based on gentian or wormwood) and increase the orange juice to 2 cl. It tastes different, but still herbal.
