Nothing puts an exclamation point on the end of a great meal like a well-chosen after-dinner drink. Post-dinner drinks are known as digestifs, for their soothing and digestive qualities. But beyond that, the after-dinner drink is a last little indulgence – and the perfect way to end a wonderful meal.
Digestifs
Digestifs, or “digestivo” in Italian, are probably the first thing most think of when it comes to selecting an after-dinner drink. These have been around for centuries, since the time of ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who crafted and consumed these for medicinal purposes. During the Middle Ages, it was primarily European monks who crafted these spirits, as monasteries were centers of learning medicinal herb cultivation.
Digestifs improved during the Renaissances thanks to new distillation and production methods. Royalty also began to take notice of these distinct spirits and started a trend of sipping them after lavish meals. It was during the 18th and 19th centuries when the commercialization of these products came about that they became an integral part of the dining experience in countries like Italy and France.
Popular Italian Digestifs
Limoncello is made from lemon zest steeped in pure alcohol and blended with simple syrup.
Limoncello – A vibrant Italian liqueur loved for its refreshing lemon flavor. This sunshine-like spirit is popular in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily and the Amalfi Coast.
Amaro – A traditional Italian herbal liqueur that stands as a symbol of conviviality and hospitality in Italian culture. It’s bittersweet and infused with a variety of herbs, roots, flowers, and citrus peels. Amaro is best enjoyed either neat, with a splash of soda water, or in a craft cocktail.
Enjoy Sambuca neat or with coffee beans, which is a traditional serving style known as “con la mosca”.
Sambuca – a distinct, licorice-flavored digestif often associated with the town of Civitavecchia de Arpino in central Italy. Traditionally, it was flavored with the elderberry plant (Sambucus), but today’s versions often use star anise instead.
Other After-Dinner Favorites
The Italian digestifs listed above only scratch the surface of popular after-drink options!
Port – This fortified wine is primarily produced in the Douro Valley of Portugal. There are a variety of styles – ruby, tawny, and vintage – each with distinct flavor profiles. In general, ports are known for carrying rich notes of dried fruits, nuts, caramel, and spices.
Cognac's smooth texture and warming sensation make it a popular after-dinner treat.
Cognac – A prestigious French brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. It is an aged spirit that is distilled from white grapes and aged in oak barrels. There is a wide array of flavors when it comes to cognac, ranging from fruity and floral to oaky and spicy.
Moscato d’Asti – Another popular Italian dessert wine. It has a low alcohol content and is lightly effervescent with sweet apricot, peach, and citrus flavors. Click here to read more about Moscato!
