Branca Menta is a digestif [ingredient=amaro amaro] invented in the mid 1960's when young drinkers began asking for mint syrup in their Fernet Branca. It contains peppermint and menthol in addition to the secret Fernet Branca herbal blend, and is 80 proof like Fernet Branca. In Texas, at least, Fernet Branca is easy to find, but Branca Menta is near impossible.
Branca Menta is a medium brown color and opaque. It's intensely minty, with not only mint, but the cooling effect of menthol as well. It's a step sweeter than Fernet Branca, which masks the firm bitterness, pushing it to the finish.
Both Branca Menta and Fernet Branca are popular in Argentina, where it's commonly mixed with Coca Cola. A good ratio to start with is 3 Coke:1 Branca Menta. Its strong mint/menthol flavors can be challenging to work into a cocktail.
Some popular cocktails containing Branca Menta
- The Noisy Cricket — Branca Menta, Crème de Cacao, Cream, Mint
- Thin Mint Stinger — Cognac, Virgin Islands Rum, Branca Menta, White Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao
- Tea Tree Sour2 — Cognac, Branca Menta, Lemon juice, Honey syrup, Orange flower water, Mint
- Praying Mantis — Branca Menta, Stout, Amaro, Dark Crème de Cacao, Mint Bitters, Whole egg
- Christmas in Hell — Branca Menta, Becherovka, Cherry Liqueur, Lemon juice
- El Chapulín — Branca Menta, Tequila, Crème de Cacao, Absinthe, Bitters, Mint
- Blizzard in Jalisco — Blanco tequila, Branca Menta, Suze, Soda water, Pineapple
- Thin Mint — Branca Menta, Amaro, Crème de Cacao, Lime juice, Mint
- Cabb — Apple brandy, Cynar, Bianco Vermouth, Branca Menta
- Pleasure and Pain — Batavia Arrack, Walnut Liqueur, Branca Menta, Bénédictine
