Fernet is a style of amaro, or bitter digestif, typically served after a meal with espresso in Italy. The Branca familys bottling is by far the most well known example, based on a recipe dating back to 1845. Its roots lie to the East, where the Chinese used it to treat diseases of the liver. While the exact formula is a family secret, it is said to contain rhubarb, aloe, cardamom, gentian, myrrh, chamomile, saffron, galangal and elderflower.