Digestif

Occasion

Pronounced dee-zheh-STEEF

A digestif is a stronger, sweeter or more bitter drink served after a meal, such as amaro or brandy.

Also called: digestivo

When: After a meal
Style: Stronger, sweeter or more bitter than an aperitif

What digestif means

The name is French for digestive, from the Latin digestivus. Say the French word dee-zheh-STEEF. The Italian form, digestivo, names the same kind of drink. Knowing the word helps when a menu lists one under its Italian name.

The Italian choice is an amaro, the bitter herbal kind, such as Fernet-Branca, Averna, Amaro Montenegro or Amaro Nonino. Brandies such as cognac and grappa also work. There is no single best pick, so match the drink to whether you want something bitter, sweet or strong.

Some people assume a digestif must taste bitter, but it does not have to. Brandy, port and a sweet liqueur such as limoncello all count. The bitter Italian style is only one way to finish a meal, so pick the flavor you enjoy most.

How to serve a digestif

Serve it after the meal, and match the glass and temperature to the style.

1.Pick a bitter amaro, such as Averna, or a brandy, such as cognac or port.
2.Pour a small measure to sip, not a full glass, once the meal is over.
3.Serve brandies such as cognac, armagnac or grappa in a snifter or a small tulip glass, at room temperature.
4.Chill limoncello and some amari before you serve them.

Digestif compared

AperitifAn aperitif comes before the meal and is lighter and drier. A digestif comes after, and is stronger, sweeter or more bitter.
NightcapA nightcap is the drink you take before bed. A digestif belongs to the end of dinner, not the end of the day.
AmaroAmaro is one kind of digestif, the bitter herbal Italian style.
LiqueurMany digestifs are liqueurs, but a liqueur poured before dinner is not one. Timing sets the role.

Examples

Related terms

Ingredients

Put it to use in your next drink

Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.