Fernet is a bitter amaro, a spirit made with a combination of herbs and spices said to have medical properties. Fernet has woven itself into the fabric of San Francisco through a unique blend of community bonding among bartenders, the city's rich Italian heritage, innovative cocktail culture, and its status as a cultural emblem. Known as the "bartender's handshake," it represents respect within the mixology community, while its Italian roots resonate deeply in neighborhoods like North Beach. San Francisco's cocktail scene further embraces Fernet, showcasing its versatility in creative concoctions that have elevated it beyond a mere drink to a symbol of the city's eclectic spirit and shared sense of identity..