A Fernando cocktail is one of those simple drinks that just works—crisp, refreshing, and full of personality. It’s a Spanish classic that pairs dry sherry with cola, and the result is unexpectedly good. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to lift my mood, especially on warm evenings when you want something easy but still a little special.
Fernando
Ingredients
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 60 ml (2 oz) dry fino sherry
– 90 ml (3 oz) Coca-Cola (or a similar cola)
– Ice cubes
– 1 lemon or orange slice, for garnish
What You’ll Need
– Highball glass (or a rocks glass if that’s what you’ve got)
– Bar spoon or long spoon for stirring
Method
- Fill a highball glass with plenty of ice. Let the glass sit for a minute to chill slightly.
- Pour in the fino sherry over the ice.
- Slowly add the cola. Stir gently so you don’t lose the fizz. You want the flavors to mingle, not flatten.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange. It adds just the right pop of citrusy aroma as you sip.
Tips for the Best Fernando
– Chill your glass beforehand if you can—it helps keep everything nice and cold without watering it down too fast.
– Use fresh citrus for garnishing. It makes a big difference in both smell and taste.
– Stir gently. Too much stirring knocks out the bubbles, and the Fernando is all about that light fizz.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This drink is best made fresh, but you can pre-measure the sherry and cola into a pitcher (without ice) for a party. Just stir and pour over ice when you’re ready to serve.
Once mixed, it’s not ideal for storing—cola loses its fizz quickly.
Substitutions & Variations
– Cola: Try cherry cola, spiced cola, or even a cola made with natural sweeteners for a different twist.
– Sherry: Fino is the classic, but Manzanilla also works well. Avoid sweet sherries—they’ll throw off the balance.
– Lower sugar: Go for diet or zero-sugar cola if you want to cut back on sweetness.
Flavor Notes
The Fernando is light and crisp, with dry, nutty notes from the sherry and a smooth sweetness from the cola. The citrus garnish brightens everything up. It’s not too boozy, not too sweet—just right.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner drinks because it’s so easy to make and always surprises guests. Most folks don’t expect sherry and cola to pair so well, but once they try it, they’re hooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve it cold, with a slice of lemon or orange perched on the rim. It’s perfect as an aperitif or something to sip alongside tapas.
Here are a few great pairings:
Jamón Ibérico
The salty, savory ham contrasts beautifully with the Fernando’s crisp edge.
Manchego Cheese
Its buttery, nutty flavor echoes the sherry and rounds out the drink.
Patatas Bravas
Spicy potatoes and a cold Fernando? A match made in tapas heaven.
Fun Twists on the Classic
Want to change things up? Try one of these simple variations:
Andalusian Night
– Use cherry cola instead of regular
– Add a dash of orange bitters
– Garnish with a cherry
Seville Sunrise
– Add a splash of fresh orange juice
– Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a warm-spiced aroma
Iberian Summer
– Mix in a bit of lemonade
– Top with fresh mint for a super-refreshing take
Virgin Fernando
– Use sherry-flavored syrup (or a mix of apple juice and balsamic vinegar in a pinch)
– Top with cola and garnish like the classic
Common Questions
What makes the Fernando special?
It’s the combo of dry sherry and sweet cola—it’s light, balanced, and totally unexpected.
Can I use any sherry?
Stick with dry ones like Fino or Manzanilla. Sweeter styles like Cream or Amontillado won’t give the same clean flavor.
Is it good for parties?
Absolutely. You can batch the ingredients and just pour over ice as guests arrive.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less cola or switch to diet/zero-sugar versions. You can even try a splash of soda water to lighten it up.
Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes! Try a non-alcoholic sherry alternative or a homemade mix (see Virgin Fernando above).
Best way to serve?
Cold, fizzy, and garnished with fresh citrus. A highball glass is ideal, but use what you have.
The Fernando is the kind of drink that feels fancy without any fuss. It’s quick to make, easy to tweak, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re winding down after dinner or kicking off a weekend get-together, it’s a go-to worth keeping in your back pocket.
