Mixologists help us demystify this drink category.
Plus a gastroenterologist chimes in about whether these sips can really aid in digestion.
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Coffee, espresso and tea are offered as an after-dinner drink at many sit-down restaurants.
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As are a whole other category of beverages, which are referred to collectively as digestifs.
You may also have heard specific namesor noticed the bottlesof Fernet-Branca, Amaro Averna or grappa.
But have you ever really thought about the definition of digestifs?
Or perhaps youve wondered what makes a drink fall under that umbrella.
What Are Digestifs?
Whats in a name?
In French, digestif translates to digestive.
In Italian, you may hear this referred to with either the feminine digestiva or masculine digestivo terms.
These monikers are a pretty great clue about the answer to What are digestifs?
A variety of alcoholic beverages fall into this category.
Often they can contain ingredients designed to soothe your stomach or contain other medicinal benefits.
A wide range of digestifs exist, all with an aim to aid in digestion.
Fortified wines, liqueurs and aged liquors are all considered digestifsas are cocktails made with these ingredients.
Digestif flavors range from bittersweet and medicinal to caramelly to fruity and sweet.
In my opinion, theyre the perfect way to finish a wonderful meal with an exclamation point.
But today, youll find them promoted either by brand name or under a category.
(On its own, vinegar is extremely acidic and should not be sipped straight.)
Tangy yet sweet balsamic is essentially concentrated, fermented grape juice, so why not?
Stick to a 1- to 2-ounce pour, and room temperature is a must, Higginbotham says.
Some individuals prefer to enjoy their digestif as part of a cocktail.
(That is, as long as youre sure the recipient drinks.
Otherwise consider one of these thoughtfulfood giftsthat they can enjoy at another time.)
Do Digestifs Actually Help with Digestion?
Just dont rely on a digestif to actually alleviate digestive distress.
Other tried-and-truegut health-supporting strategiesare a better bet.
