The first thought that comes to your mind when you see the title must be, “But what are digestifs?” We thought that too, because it’s not everyday you hear this word. You know that feeling when you have a heavy meal and feel like you can’t move? That’s where these digestifs step in, they’ll help your tummy and they also taste yummy! In this blog, we’ll walk you through different digestifs that’ll make an elegant addition to your fine dining.
1. Amaro
Amaro, which means ‘bitter’, is an Italian herbal liqueur. Though the name can make you think it tastes bitter, the truth is far from that. It may have a little bitterness but can also be sweet to taste. This bittersweet liqueur is made with a base alcohol (wine, grape brandy, or a neutral spirit) blended with herbs, spices, roots, and flowers. This drink works as a digestif on its own, but can also help add richness to a range of craft cocktails.
2. Fernet
Fernet, another one of Italy’s magic drinks, is widely known to be consumed after a good meal. The basic ingredients of a fernet are a blend of multiple spices and herbs such as chamomile, peppermint, saffron, menthol, and cloves, with a base alcohol. Depending on the brand, the flavor notes of this drink might also vary (medicinal, bitter, or minty).
Also read: Aperitif and Digestif: Know the Differences
3. Chartreuse
Chartreuse is a French liqueur, first created in 1840. It’s made from the original recipe of the Elixir Végétal de la Grande Chartreuse. This is a unique combination of 130 different herbs and spices. The yellow Chartreuse will have a sweetened taste, while the green Chartreuse will have intense vegetal, mint, and citrus notes. So you see, different versions will give different bursts of flavors.
From grinds, to distillation and different types of maceration, the whole process itself requires several weeks. It’s later kept for aging. This intensifies the flavor and the appeal of the beverage. Once again, you can either drink it neat as a digestif, or it may also be used as an ingredient in cocktails.
4. Grappa
Grappa is a spirit distilled from fruit, typically made from grape pomace, or the skins, seeds, stems, and pulp. Popular choices of grape for this spirit are Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Malvasia, and Moscato. Grappa packs a punch of flavor with its one sip. Even though it’s made from wine leftovers, it has a powerful aroma and taste, and is closer to tequila than grape juice.
Also read: What Is Chareau Aloe Liqueur? A Handy Introduction
5. Sweetdram Escubac Liqueur
Sweetdram Escubac is a herb-spice liqueur inspired by an old Tudor recipe which emerged in England but was later adopted by France. It’s made from fourteen different botanicals such as cinnamon, orange, cloves, nutmeg, bitter orange, lemon, orris, coriander, cubeb, raisins, vanilla, cardamom, caraway, and saffron. First, these herbs are macerated in spirit for 72 hours, and then slowly distilled. It gives a juicy, herbal, and tropical flavor with a spicy note.
6. Fortified Wines
Fortified wines can act as both aperitif and digestif. They’re produced by adding distilled spirits, before or after fermentation. Some of the common types of fortified wine are port, sherry, madeira, and vermouth. They can taste sweet, bitter, or nutty depending on the spirit you use.
Also read: What Are Digestifs and How Can You Enjoy Them?
Summing Up
Next time, maybe instead of a few fennel seeds, you can have one of these digestifs. You’ll be hitting two spots with one drink – your taste buds and your gut. So really, there’s nothing to think about! From the bitterness of Amaro to the delicate aroma of Grappa, each beverage offers you something different. Go choose your note!
FAQs
1. What is the easiest spirit to digest?
Vodka and gin are easier on the stomach.
2. Which juice is best for gas?
Cucumber and mint juice with a little bit of lime is the best remedy for gas, as it helps relax the digestive tract.
3. Which alcohol is less acidic?
Gin and tequila are known to have less acidity.
4. Which alcohol is most alkaline?
Vodka is the most alkaline drink with a pH of 6 to 7.
5. Is whisky a digestif?
Yes, whisky falls into the category of digestifs.
6. Why should you wait for 30 minutes after eating before drinking anything?
You should wait for 30 minutes before drinking anything to allow proper digestion and absorption.
