We all love a big meal but hate the feeling that comes afterward when it’s like your body just cannot move. You wish for something that can help with the digestion. Enter digestifs. Initially introduced by ancient Greeks, these were considered to be medicinal in the 18th century and then used by Europeans to end multi-course feasts.
If you are wondering, “How are these supposed to work?” then we’ve got you. But first, let us introduce you to the meaning of the word ‘digestif.’
What Is a Digestif?
Digestifs are the counterparts to Aperitifs. Digestifs are after-dinner sippers that are meant to support the digestive system after a meal. They can be as simple as coffee and lemonade but liquor can have its added benefit. The taste can differ depending on the type of liquor used. They can range from sweet to bitter, and spicy. These are deeper in flavor and alcohol levels and offer a wide palette post meal. So, if you’re just looking for a reason to keep drinking, help yourself with a digestif! #No_Regrets.
Though these sound like a best friend to heavy dinners, it’s important to know that you’re only a glass away from turning this into gluttony, especially if you’re choosing creamy and sweet liqueurs as your poison. These types of digestifs can be very addictive due to their sweet and tranquilizing nature.
Do Digestifs Really Work?
Digestif can be really fun to consume, so obviously, we all want this to be true. Let us start from the basics. Our body naturally hates bitter foods and drinks and tends to reject the substances thinking it’s poisonous. To remove said substances from the body, the digestive system accelerates the process to get rid of any substances that have been deemed unfit.
Digestifs are generally bitter and act as a catalyst for digestion. When we consume these drinks, our body assumes that the foreign substance might be harmful and works extra hard to expel it. In the process, the consumed food gets digested at an accelerated speed.
Of course, this is a recited rather than listed kind of fact. It would not be legal to write “Digestive Friendly Drink” on the bottle.
Andrew Moore, M.D., a renowned gastroenterologist, says that digestifs don’t primarily cause better digestion, but the soothing essence can probably help the burning or filling sensations after eating. Either way, digestifs can be a helpful addition.
Now that we have proved that digestifs can be an asset, let’s move on to the best ones that you can consume.
Also Read: What Is An Apéritif: All You Need To Know
Types Of Digestifs?
Fortified Wines
These are wines that have been infused with some other distilled spirit. Brandy is the most popular addition to these wines. Fortified wines are light and sweeter in taste. Popular ones include sherry, port wine, aromatized wine vermouth, and vin de liqueur.
Herbal Liqueurs
These liquors are infused with herbs and exotic spices. The taste can range from bittersweet to spicy. Both these qualities are known to be beneficial for digestion. You can try Amaro Montenegro, Yagawilde Indian Herbal Liqueur, and Jagermeister.
Sweet and Bitter Liqueurs
The bitter taste in these liqueurs is known to aid digestion. These are comparatively sweeter in taste. Averna and Amaro Meletti offer great tones and taste. These can be easily used in cocktails as well.
Aged Liqueurs
These offer a variety of taste and alcohol content options. Although they can come off a bit pricey, they are definitely worth it. Aged liquors are distilled for a longer period, causing them to be much more bitter. If you are planning to add these to the collection, try Plymouth Gin, Pernod Absinthe, and Tia Maria. We’ve heard that these are in demand.
Also Read: What Is liqueur? Everything You Need To Know
How and When To Serve Digestif?
Digestifs open arms to choosing from a large variety of options. You can always start from your comfort drinks. They would be a guarantee that they are not going to reverse the digestive flow (if you know what we mean). Toronto or Manhattan is a safe start for this case if starting with cocktails.
Digestifs are usually served neat and chilled. But we are going to leave this up to you. Knowing different types of digestifs can aid your exploration and finally boil down the list to your favorites.
Here are some popular ones to aid your research:
- Old Fashioned: This one is known to be the drink of the night as it’s a common option between drinkers. This drink consists of aromatic bitters and sugar that help in the digestive process.
- Spiced Spey Coffee: Serving coffee has always been an after-dinner etiquette. Why not mix that with some whiskey to push it to its limits?
- Death In The Afternoon: The name may suggest a different time, but it could not be any more perfect as a digestif. This Hemingway special is made with Absinthe and sparkling wine. Tread carefully, it can come on a little too strong.
- Basil Limoncello Spritz: Have you ever resorted to lemonade after dinner? Soothing, right? This one has the same effect. It’s refreshing and light. This bubble-filled drink can provide you with an abundance of comfort after a hectic dinner program.
Also Read: Limoncello Cocktails To Make At Home
Summing Up
Digestifs are much stronger as compared to aperitifs, the latter are designed to open up the capacity of your digestive system. The former is meant to give your dinner the closure it deserves, and it is also a great way to elongate the evening in a relaxing manner. Now that you know what digestifs are, what are you waiting for? Invite your friends over for a Viking-style feast!
FAQs
Do Digestifs Actually Help Digestion?
Though there is no scientific proof to back this up, digestifs are believed to have digestive properties. The bitterness in these drinks acts as a catalyst to the digestive process.
What Makes A Drink A Digestive?
Drinks that aid the process of digestion are considered to be digestive. Coffee-flavored digestifs tend to work wonders in the process.
What Is An Aperitif Vs Digestif?
Aperitifs are drinks that expand your appetite before a meal. They are meant to be lighter to consume. Their counterpart, digestifs, are drinks that are consumed after a heavy meal or course to aid digestion. They are usually higher in alcohol levels and tend to be heavy with taste.
Is Whisky A Digestif?
Whiskey is considered a digestif due to its bitter taste. Whiskey is also available in various aging groups. These fall under the category of aged liqueur digestifs.
Do You Sip Or Shoot A Digestif?
After a heavy meal, it is advised not to chug or shoot anything because it could disrupt the process and cause heavy loads on the digestive system. Hence, digestifs are ideally sipped in small quantities.
Is There Science Behind Digestif?
There is no scientific evidence that digestifs help in digestion. However, a lot of people have said that they have felt lighter after drinking a digestif.
Is Beer A Digestif?
Though beer has some digestive properties, it is not considered a digestif since it’s heavy on the digestive system. Beer does stimulate pancreatic enzymes that offer assistance to the system.
