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The name translates, loosely and politely, as something close to “motherfucker of a rock.” Loosely because putamadre does not so much translate as land, and politely because the drink is exactly as forgiving as the name promises.
The Piedra Putamadre is half an ounce each of tequila, anisette and Fernet Branca. Fernet is the ingredient in charge here: an Italian amaro built on myrrh, saffron, rhubarb and a long list of botanicals nobody at Branca has ever fully disclosed, and it tastes like bitter medicine in the most complimentary sense available. The anisette does not soften it so much as hand it a dance partner, adding licorice sweetness that runs alongside the bitterness rather than covering it. Tequila supplies the floor and otherwise keeps quiet.
This is not a sipping drink and it is not trying to win anyone over. It is a small, bracing pour for people who already like Fernet, which is a narrower group than Fernet drinkers tend to admit at parties.
Glass: Cordial glass | Strength: Strong | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes
Bartender’s tip: If you have never had Fernet Branca on its own, taste it before you commit to the full pour, because there is no version of this drink where it stays in the background. Worth noting that the legacy recipe contradicts itself on glassware, listing a cordial glass in the method and a beer mug in the serving note. An ounce and a half of this in a beer mug would be a practical joke, so the cordial glass is the one to follow.
