🥃 Digestif

Digestif is a drink served at the end of a meal, after dessert and coffee: a small serving of brandy, calvados, grappa, bitter amaro or sweet liqueur. Larousse defines digestif as a liqueur or spirit served after food. It is a custom rather than a category on the label, and the counterpart of the aperitif before a meal.

What is poured. In France it is usually cognac, armagnac, calvados or fruit distillates; in Italy, amaro, grappa or limoncello. Difford's Guide singles out a separate group of "after dinner / digestif" cocktails and notes that they often contain bittersweet liqueurs; examples include Rob Roy, Vieux Carré and Hanky Panky.

The Italian digestivo. According to Eataly, amaro was first measured out as medicine, against stomach upsets and even cholera, and later began to be served after meals, on the belief that bitterness speeds digestion. It is poured into small glasses at room temperature and sipped slowly while conversation continues at the table.

Law and facts. The belief that a strong drink "helps digestion" is a tradition, not a proven fact. In the EU, any claims of health benefits are banned on drinks above 1.2% ABV (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, Art. 4(3)), so the word "digestif" does not imply any medicinal effect.

Why this matters to you. There is no evidence that alcohol after a heavy dinner speeds digestion, but the total dose for the evening grows: aperitif, wine and digestif together easily add up to several standard doses. You can also end a meal with coffee or herbal tea. The WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.