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Aperitifs & Digestifs: How Cocktails Fit with Dinner

Let’s get French, shall we? When it comes to cocktails, there’s an occasion that calls for almost every drink. Celebrations, toasts, memorials, relaxing, first dates, and partying all call for something special. But cocktails are also enjoyable at mealtime. Two of the most important meal time bookends are aperitifs and digestifs. 

Here’s where we get French. And here’s how aperitifs and digestifs fit with dinner, regardless of what you’re having. They’re both traditions you’ll love to incorporate with every meal.

Aperitifs and Digestifs, Defined

The aperitif is the cocktail beverage you enjoy before the meal. The digestif is the cocktail beverage you enjoy after the meal. Both terms are French but are commonly recognized as before and after meal drinks in any language. And there’s more to them than their fancy-sounding, distinguished names.

Characteristics of the Aperitif

Not just any cocktail or spirit can be an aperitif. A proper pre-meal drink is intended to stimulate your appetite, thus arousing your hunger before sitting down to eat. They also have unique ways of cleansing the palate, freeing your taste buds of anything that might make your dining experience less exceptional. Generally, you’ll be offered an aperitif that contains vermouth, gin, or something dry in the way of wine. And it may be selected to accompany any hors d’oeuvres or pre-dinner finger foods, such as nuts, cheese, olives, or pâté.

A gimlet or Manhattan are popular aperitifs. And in addition to preparing your body for the alluring meal ahead, these spirits can be relaxing, albeit with a lower alcohol content than their digestif counterparts. And a good aperitif will be light, easy to consume, and non-filling, like a classic martini, which is a perfect appetizer drink.

A perfect aperitif will typically offer a bitterness and sometimes light hues of botanical notes. Sweetness can be introduced, in spirit varieties, like amaretto, sweet vermouth, or pastis. And dry wines are common at dinner parties, where you might be offered a Prosecco or Cava before dining. 

Feel free to enjoy your aperitif how you like, whether it’s on the rocks or topped off with a splash of tonic water or soda water. 

Characteristics of the Digestif

As you can imagine, the digestif is designed to help you digest that scrumptious meal you just enjoyed. With properties that can actually aid in digestion, the digestif will help you relieve any overly full feeling you might have from overindulging at the dinner table. 

These spirits are often dessert liqueurs or port wines, offering a sweet finishing touch to a finely prepared meal. The most common varieties include brandy, cognac, or a glass of sweet aromatic wine. You won’t, however, find too many cocktails or blends that you’d expect from the pre-dinner aperitif. Instead, look for the digestif to be richer in flavor and full-bodied, often with a much higher alcohol content. And whatever you choose to sip, the digestif is almost always enjoyed neat.

The digestif is sometimes referred to as the “nightcap” drink, depending on how late in the evening it is when you finish dining. And some of your “drink-it-straight” options include Amaro, limoncello, whisky, or grappa. And for those who enjoy a caffeinated coffee after dinner, you’ll still find those who pour in some Irish whisky or Frangelico hazelnut liqueur. 

Key Differences Between Aperitifs and Digestifs

Aside from the obvious before and after meal characteristics, there are a few other distinguishing factors between the aperitif and digestif. Here is some brilliant trivia to add to your repertoire about aperitifs and digestifs.

Historical Differences

People have been consuming aperitifs and digestifs for over 1,500 years. But aperitifs became predominantly popular in Europe, and Italy specifically, during the 1800s. Rome and other cities take credit for making it fashionable to have an aperitif before dinner. It was the mid-19th century when France got in on the socializing action.

Alternatively, the digestif began as a medicinal application. These heavier, stronger, and more potent spirits would be prescribed for everything from stomach aches to pain relievers. It wasn’t until the 1700s rolled around that the post-dinner digestif became a table staple, as the digestive aid that it is today.

Consumption Differences

As previously mentioned, the aperitif needs to be light so as not to inspire a feeling of fullness before dinner. This also means that aperitifs are less sweet, usually representing the more bitter sips. They’re also drier and have less alcohol. Aperitif cocktails are common since combining various blends adds flavor without compromising the appetite-boosting properties.

Alternatively, the digestifs tend to be heavier, with rich flavors and sweet dessert hues. The alcohol levels are higher. And instead of cocktail blends, these post-meal sips are best enjoyed neat, so you can savor every gourmet drip as the brewer intended.

Preparation Differences

In the event you’re hosting dinner, you’ll need to know how to properly prepare and serve your aperitifs and digestifs. 

For your aperitif selections, accompany your spirits and cocktails with nuts, briny olives, or light and savory snacks. You can present the charcuterie board, but don’t go much heavier than artisanal cheeses or sausages.

For your digestif pairings, you won’t likely offer additional food since it’s after dinner and all. But you can always present a delicate dessert or biscotti for something to nibble on should your guests still need something sweet.

Best Aperitifs for Pre-Dinner Enjoyment

Now that you understand the characteristics and differences between aperitifs and digestifs, it’s time to get into specifics. While there are plenty of aperitif-worthy spirits and liquors out there, these are some of the most popular. And if you’re new to aperitifs, these are great selections to offer your guests before dinner.

Carpano Antica Formula: One of the best vermouths, hailing from Italy with an ABV of 16.5%, this aperitif provides tasting notes of spice, dried fruit, and vanilla.

Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro: One of the best American vermouths, this aperitif-ready spirit comes from sunny California with an ABV of 17.5% and offers hints of ginger, citrus, and hibiscus flavor.

Lillet Blanc: This is a beautiful companion with tonic and, of course, is a France variety. It has an ABV of 17% and has subtle notes of bitterness, citrus, and honey.

Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth: One of the best dry varieties, this vermouth also hails from France and has an ABV of 18%. Tasting notes here include orange, nutmeg, and chamomile.

Italicus: One of the most versatile Italian aperitifs, this blend dates as far back as the mid-1850s. It has an ABV of 20%, with hints of citrus, chamomile, and rose.

Byrrh Grand Quinquina: This might very well be the best French aperitif of all. With an ABV of 18% and tastes of cocoa, bitter orange, and coffee, Byrrh is a delightful quinquina. It’s almost always on the top-choice lists of all available aperitifs. 

Martini and Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato: This is one of Italy’s finest, with an ABV of 18% and notes of Sandalwood, Chamomile, and Eucalyptus. It’s a genius option with woody and citrusy hues.

Best Digestifs for Post-Dinner Enjoyment

Now, let’s dive into some of the best and most popular digestif varieties, perfect for post-dinner relaxation. Of course, there are plenty of different spirits that work well as a digestif. However, these few tend to be favorites.

Canella Amaro: Hailing from San Francisco, this liqueur has an ABV of 33% and brings beautiful, sweet flavors of anise, coriander, cinnamon, and citrus.

Blandy’s 5-Year Sercial Madeira: This Portuguese, tropical Madeira brilliantly taps into soft tasting notes of toffee, nuts, and dried fruit. This oaky lushness has an ABV of 19% and is a joyous digestif.

Don Ciccio & Figli C3 Carciofo Liqueur: If you’re ready for notes of roasted artichoke and sarsaparilla, add this to your digestif repertoire. From Washington D.C. and with an ABV of 23%, this savory, bitter finish, made with three different types of artichokes, is a digestif delight!

Sweetdram Escubac Liqueur: Another digestif favorite, this one comes from Loire, France, and offers an ABV of 34%. Tasting notes will be magical, including caraway, anise, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla. And you’ll love the saffron hue, too.

Nardini Grappa Mandorla: One of oldest favorites, this digestif hails from Italy and has an ABV of 50%, so sip lightly. Nardini dates back to 1779 and collects all the best cherry, pepper spice, and almond-tasting notes.

Eda Rhyne Amaro Flora: Another U.S.-made digestif, this one comes from Asheville, North Carolina, and brings all the rich botanical flavors. It has an ABV of 36% and is an absolute treat after a filling meal.

L’Encantada XO Bas Armagnac: Experience the taste of Bas Armagnac, France with this post-dinner classic. It boasts sarsaparilla, baking spice, and cocoa hues and an ABV of 44.9%.

FAQs About Aperitifs and Digestifs

Rounding out this ultimate guide to aperitif and digestif cocktails is a little Q&A. Knowing characteristics, differences, and favorite examples is a great start. Explore some of the other more frequently asked questions about aperitifs and digestifs to practically become an aficionado.

Are aperitifs and digestifs interchangeable? 

Yes, some digestifs can qualify as great aperitifs, too, and vice versa. Just remember, the before-dinner beverage should be lighter in flavor and have lower alcohol content. The digestif can be sweeter, richer, and possess a higher ABV.

Do digestifs really aid in digestion? 

This is a hard maybe. There is no official scientific evidence supporting the notion that digestifs aid in digestion. However, the sweetness and bitterness of these post-meal drinks are rather comforting. And many believers swear by shots of various spirits after dinner, especially heavy Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Because some herbs and blends are notable for helping with digestion, there is a likelihood some after-dinner blends do help.

Does price matter when choosing an aperitif or digestif?

Everything about these two classes of spirits can range in style, flavor, benefits, and, yes, price. You can achieve both results, either pre-meal appetite arousal and post-meal sweet digestion, with a $20 bill or several hundred dollars. Just find the blends that appeal to you and best complement your dinner and budget.

When should you serve aperitifs and digestifs?

If you’re hosting the get-together, you’ll want to time your aperitif and digestif services. Open up the aperitif cocktail bar within an hour of serving the main course. But you can serve earlier as guests arrive. 

For the digestif, have those iconic drinks ready to pour as soon as the last guest finishes eating. Digestifs can begin immediately after dinner and provide sipping and digesting pleasure all through nightcap time.

Now that you’re well-versed in all things aperitif and digestif, you can start exploring new flavors and incorporating these spirit and cocktail traditions with every meal. And to sample new flavors, let Distillery Nearby show you where to find all the best distillery tours! You can start sipping to discover your favorite varieties to keep on hand whenever you host a dinner party. 

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