Digestifs: The After Dinner Drinks

Ever found yourself in a fancy restaurant, stomach from a delicious meal, and someone offered you an after-dinner drink? Or maybe you just wanted to keep the good times rolling post-dinner, even with a full stomach? That’s where Digestifs come into play!

So, what exactly are Digestifs? Well, the word “digestif” (plural: digestifs) is just the French way of saying “digestive.” These are alcoholic drinks served after a meal to help settle your stomach and aid digestion. They come in all sorts of styles, from Amaros and Fortified wines to international Brandies, whiskies, and herbal liqueurs. Cocktails that include these ingredients are also digestifs. These fancy-sounding after-dinner drinks aren’t nearly as well known in America as they are elsewhere around the world, so we are here to spread the word! Whether you’re into sipping scotch or enjoying a snifter of brandy, there’s a whole world of after-dinner drinks waiting for you to explore.

A digestif isn’t just about what you drink; it’s also about when you drink it. In essence, it’s any alcoholic beverage you enjoy after a big, satisfying dinner, and a variety of beverages fall into this category. These drinks usually have a bit more alcohol and pack a deep, sometimes rich flavor punch. In the case of liqueurs, digestifs often bring in stomach-soothing herbs and spices, giving them a bittersweet twist. These “herbal” notes might make them taste a bit medicinal, but they work wonders on settling a full stomach, no matter your usual flavor preference.

The tradition of enjoying a glass after a hearty meal isn’t a new development. Many of the most popular digestifs in European countries have roots that go back centuries when they were first mixed up as elixirs or blended into tonics by doctors!

Digestif Vs. Aperitif

The word ‘Aperitifs’ has been one of the most popular terms of summer, so it may get easily confused with digestif. While aperitifs are meant to stimulate your appetite before a meal, like Campari, Gin, and Dry Vermouth, digestifs play their role after the feast. These post-meal libations, which can be less acidic and boast a sweeter, richer flavor, are designed to aid digestion and promote relaxation.

 

Types of Digestifs

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s delve into the delightful world of digestifs. Many of these spirits have their origins as medicinal tonics from centuries past, crafted with herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients to soothe stomachs and provide other health benefits. Somewhere along the way, they found their place at the formal dining table. Here are four main categories to explore:

• Fortified Wines: Among the most popular digestifs, fortified wines like port wines and sherry are always a good choice. Dry vermouth, on the other hand, leans more towards aperitif territory, while sweet vermouth shines as a wonderful digestif option.
  • Foro Di Torino Rosso Vermouth 750ml
  • Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto 750ml
  • Carpano Antica Formula 375ml
  • Osborne Sherry Medium 750ml
• Bitter Liqueurs: In the same way that bitters are enjoyed as aperitifs, some are much better suited as digestifs. Some bitters, like Amaros such as Averna, Meletti Amaro, Amaro Montenegro, and Nonino Amaro Quintessentia, are better suited as digestifs. These bitters, with their slightly sweeter and richer profiles, not only aid digestion but also offer a unique taste experience.
• Herbal Liqueurs: Many of the medicinal elixirs of yesteryears are now known as herbal liqueurs and make perfect digestifs. Think Fernet Branca, Aquavit, Bénédictine, Chartreuse, Sambuca, Galliano, and more. These aromatic concoctions provide a soothing finish to your meal.
  • Aalborg Taffel Aquavit 750ml
  • Becherovka Original 750ml
  • Dom Benedictine Liqueur 750ml
  • Chartreuse Vegetal 138 Proof 100ml
  • Romana Black Di Sambuca 750ml
  • Galliano L Autentico 375ml
• Aged Liqueur: Virtually any aged liquor can serve as a great digestif, with Brandies being a traditional favorite. Don’t forget about Calvados and Grappa! Whiskeys, especially Scotch, are also quite popular, along with Añejo tequilas.
  Here’s a taste of what to expect from some classics:
  • French Cognacs offers notes of citrus, caramelized fruit, leather, spice, and nuts.
    Armagnacs provide a fuller mouthfeel with hints of apricot, prune, toffee, chocolate, and black pepper.
    Calvados, made from apples and pears, offers a fruitier palate, with baking spices and floral aromas.
    • Calvados Coquerel Fine 750ml
    • Marcati Grappa 750ml
    • Hine H VSOP 750ml
    • Lairds Apple Brandy 7.5Yr 750ml
    • Remy Martin VSOP Cognac 750ml
    • Sempe VSOP Armagnac 750ml
• Sweet Liqueur: If you have a sweet tooth, consider indulging in sweeter fruit liqueurs like Maraschino Liqueur and Limoncello. Even high-proof, brandy-based orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier can be enjoyed as a standalone treat.
  • Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 750ml
  • Marcati Limoncello 750ml
  • Di Amore Limoncello 750ml
  • Il Tramonto Limoncello 750ml
  • Grand Marnier 750ml
  • Fabrizia Blood Orange Liqueur 750ml
  • Citronge Orange Liqueur 750ml

Don’t forget about the Coffee! 

Last but not least, coffee is a popular nonalcoholic digestif option enjoyed worldwide. The caffeine in coffee aids digestion, though as a stimulant, it’s best consumed in moderation later in the evening. Short and rich coffee drinks like Cuban coffee or cafe con leche often kick things off. If you’re in the mood to “spike” your after-dinner coffee, try an Amaro Espresso Martini, a splash of Fernet Branca, Irish Cream, or even a boozy Affogato. Your taste buds will thank you!

Serving Tips

If you’re all about keeping things simple, just grab yourself some small glasses – yep, shot glasses are totally fine – and pour about an ounce to an ounce and a half of your favorite digestif at room temperature. This way, you can take it easy and savor every drop at your own pace.

But hey, if you’re in the mood for a touch of sophistication, there’s a vast realm of digestif cocktails waiting for you to explore! And for those of you who might still be a tad hesitant to dive headfirst into the world of digestifs, fear not. There are plenty of ways to ease into it. You can try them over ice, which adds a subtle chill and a bit of dilution, or go a step further and get creative with mixing them. Ever heard of the classic Fernet & Coke combo? It’s worth a shot! So, go ahead, dive into the wonderful world of digestifs, and enjoy every sip!