"Just hanging with the boys...Fanciulli"

While recently reading an article about Fernet Branca, I came across a name that I had never seen before...Fanciulli.  This decidedly Italian twist on a Manhattan enraptured me.  As with all new discoveries, I wanted to know everything about this cocktail.

First off, what is a Fanciulli?  Fanciulli turns out is Italian slang for "the boys."  Next, I needed to know when and where it makes it's first appearance.  The drink made it's debut in The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book(1931).  The twist from using Angostura bitters to Fernet gives the Manhattan a refreshing minty finish.

The original recipe calls for half whiskey, one quarter Italian Vermouth and one quarter Fernet Branca.  Through trial and error, lots of trial and delicious errors, I have dialed in my own spin on this Manhattan riff...

Barragan's Fanciulli Recipe:

2 oz Rye or Bourbon (I chose High West BouRye)

1 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth

1/2 oz Fernet Branca

Amarena Cherry

Stir all ingredients in a mixing beaker, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a cherry

Salute to the Fanciulli!