Friends Not Enemies Cocktail: A Unique Rye Old Fashioned

This unexpected blend of rye whiskey, Jägermeister, Fernet Branca, and crème de cacao creates a deep, herbal cocktail.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:57pm

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A vibrant, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a cocktail glass in neon pink, yellow, and blue hues, conceptually representing the unique blend of rye whiskey, Jägermeister, Fernet Branca, and crème de cacao that makes up the Friends Not Enemies cocktail.A bold, pop art-inspired illustration celebrates the unexpected flavors of the Friends Not Enemies cocktail.San Diego Today

The Friends Not Enemies cocktail is an unconventional take on the classic Old Fashioned, blending rye whiskey with the unexpected additions of Jägermeister, Fernet Branca, and a touch of crème de cacao. Despite the seemingly odd combination, the drink comes together in a deep, herbaceous, and delicious way, proving that even unlikely ingredients can create a harmonious cocktail.

Why it matters

The Friends Not Enemies cocktail challenges preconceptions about certain spirits like Jägermeister and Fernet Branca, showing that with the right approach, even divisive liquors can be incorporated into a balanced and enjoyable drink. It also demonstrates the creativity and experimentation happening in the cocktail world, as bartenders continue to push the boundaries of traditional recipes.

The details

The key to the Friends Not Enemies cocktail is the careful balance of its four ingredients. Rye whiskey provides the base, with Jägermeister and Fernet Branca adding herbal complexity, and a small amount of crème de cacao helping to smooth out the sharper edges. The result is a robust, bittersweet sipper that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.

  • The Friends Not Enemies cocktail was created in 2026.

The players

Jason O'Bryan

A writer and bartender who has been managing cocktail bars for the last twelve years, first in Boston and now in San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“There are, I'd say, two types of January drinks. The first is wellness-based, something for the dry January sort—a bright, light, non-alcoholic thing, a happy little sparkler packed with adaptogens and nootropics, one more sunny asset on the way to a new and better You. The other is something more resembling that first one's exact opposite—a dark and broody sipper, punchy and robust, liquid mollification reflecting that the best of the season is now officially behind us, and all that lays ahead is the long frigid slog toward spring.”

— Jason O'Bryan, Bartender and Writer

What’s next

The Friends Not Enemies cocktail is now available at select bars and restaurants, offering a unique and unexpected twist on the classic Old Fashioned.

The takeaway

The Friends Not Enemies cocktail demonstrates the creativity and open-mindedness of the modern cocktail scene, where even seemingly unlikely ingredient combinations can come together to create a delicious and memorable drinking experience.