Bitter Italian digestif

FERNET

This herbal liqueur’s name sounds like a mix of "fern" and a French word for "black."

"Bitter Italian digestif" points to Fernet, a strong herbal liqueur from Italy known for its sharp, medicinal taste. It’s often sipped after meals as a digestif, and the clue highlights its signature bitterness. The name Fernet comes from the brand Fernet-Branca, which popularized the drink worldwide.