Digestif

digestivo (I)

digestive, after dinner drink (GB)

digestivo (ES)

digestivo (PO)

French term (lat. digestio = digestion) for alcoholic drinks that are drunk after a meal to aid digestion. Other names are "Verdauerli" or in Alemannic "Verrisserle" (Switzerland) and in northern Germany also "Absacker" or "Zerhacker". However, the distinction between the drinks known as aperitifs (appetisers before a meal) is blurred. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not help to stimulate digestion. Only herbal bitters have a stimulating effect due to the herbal extracts they contain. High-proof spirits such as aquavit, Armagnac, calvados, cognac, grappa, grain, marc, fruit brandies, rum and marc, as well as herbal bitters (Fernet Branca, Jägermeister, Underberg), liqueurs, port wine and drinking vinegar are all popular.

Digestif - Bar mit vielen Spirituosen und Frau auf der Theke

Further information

See also under wine enjoyment (from opening the bottle to savouring it) and wine with food (which wine goes with which food). For information on the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), Distillation (distillates), Speciality wines, Spirits (types), Winemaking (wines and wine types) and Wine law (wine law issues).

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Digestif

Further information

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