As residents of the only state with a cocktail as the sole official state drink, Nevadans love our Picon Punch. This classic sipper was first created by the Basque people living in the American West. Reflecting what Nevadans have known for generations, Nevada officially declared the Picon Punch its state drink in 2025.
Sipping a Picon punch is an experience. A burst of citrus envelops your senses as you bring the cup to your lips and inhale. Once you taste it, the flavors of oranges mixed with vanilla and a feeling of warmth take over. It’s sweet, fruity, and boozy, and will make you feel like you’re with family as you slowly savor each drop. It gets easier to drink the more you have. As they say, “One’s not enough, three’s too many.”
Ferino Distillery makes Ferino Amer using the same recipe handed down through many generations by the previous secret keepers and distillers, Torani. In a tale reminiscent of Willy Wonka, Torani knew they were ready to stop production on their Amer, but that it would be crucial to find the right distillery to hand down their renowned recipe to. After a search, they approached Cannella and asked if he was ready to take the torch. We are very grateful he accepted.
It was important to Joe to continue the legacy of Amer for Nevadans. “I have very much enjoyed getting to know the people behind the drink—the Basque people here in Northern Nevada and the broader western U.S. who share a common bond and are such a structural part of so many communities in the region. Proud, hard-working, entrepreneurial, and generous. My kind of people,” he says.
The Ferino Amer (the exact recipe perfected by Torani) is one of five artisanal liqueurs created at Ferino Distillery. And side note, their Cannella Cinnamon Cordial is a must-try, as well. It’s a bold cinnamon-forward spirit made using four types of cinnamon and organic cane sugar.
Haven’t had a Picon Punch yet? Or perhaps it’s been a long time. Head to the Ferino Distillery, Louie’s Basque Corner (perhaps the most iconic local watering hole to try one), or Casale’s Halfway Club to try on Nevada’s State Drink.
Make it at Home
Joe Cannella, founder and master distiller of Ferino Distillery, shared with us the recipe for a Perfect Picon Punch.
Fill a 6-ounce stemmed Picon glass with ice.
Add a splash of grenadine (just enough to “threaten” the ice).
Pour in 2 ounces of Ferino Amer and 1⁄4-ounce of club soda, and stir.
Finish with a float of 1⁄2 ounce brandy and garnish with a lemon peel (twist, rim, and drop).