Dinner in great company is a multi-level ritual – when it comes to alcohol, it begins with an aperitif and ends with a digestif. Serving the latter aims to aid the digestion of the gathered guests, so they leave the party in good spirits and feel good in the morning. What is a digestif and which spirits belong to this category? How and in what to drink it according to the rules of etiquette?
Two poles of one dinner
When it comes to food, alcohol, and lavish parties, Italians are true masters! No one who has attended even one will ever be surprised by a modest breakfast consisting of strong coffee and a chocolate pastry. When guests are invited to a party, banquet, or even a simple family dinner in Italy, they certainly won't leave hungry! Alongside wine, the aperitif and digestif play an important role – what are they and what is served with and between them?
An Italian party begins with an aperitif. This can be a delicate green or white wine, or Prosecco – on its own or as a cocktail. Appetizers are served on plates: cheeses, seafood, roasted vegetables. Then, guests are treated to premium varieties of wine: from white, through rosé, to red. With each, they can expect a plate with a full, warm dish that they absolutely must try!
However, whoever feels full cannot leave the table yet. Before the revelers go home, they must reach for a glass of digestif – what does this mean for them? After abundant meals, it's time for a small glass of Moscato, with which each guest will also receive a handcrafted, eye-pleasing, and palate-delighting pasticceria. Certainly, after drinking sweet wine or an herbal digestive liqueur, they can sleep soundly! For breakfast, they will only manage a small, strong coffee and a pastry, but they won't have to worry about stomach ache!
Types of digestif
In many different cultures, there is a custom of drinking digestif - but what does that mean, that it's good for digestion? What drinks fall into this category? Certainly, in every country, you can find herbal tinctures and liqueurs that fit the definition. These might include, for example, Italian Fernet or Amaro, Czech Becherovka, or German Jagermeister. This role is also played by homemade tinctures with a spicy flavor. All of them somewhat resemble medicine in their aroma, positively affecting the production of gastric juices – which is particularly important after parties and gatherings.
Digestif – alcohol for digestion – is not just herbal drinks. After dinner, you can also serve warming, young Cognac or fruity brandy. Refreshing Limoncello, traditional Cytrynówka (lemon vodka), and even anise-flavored Ouzo will work equally well.
Glassware for digestif
Serving digestif in the appropriate glassware depends on the chosen drink. If the host opts for a tincture or liqueur, small stemmed glasses will work perfectly. It's worth choosing ones whose style matches the tableware already on the table.
For those who prefer Cognac or Calvados, cognac or brandy glasses with a capacity of 150-250 ml will be excellent. They are characterized by a smaller capacity than other cognac glasses, making them ideal for the symbolic amount of digestif.
Digestif drinking etiquette
The last glass of alcohol, jokingly called "rozchodniaczek" (a farewell drink) in Poland, should be drunk in accordance with the rules of savoir-vivre appropriate for the type of drink. It is important to do so while still sitting at the table and finishing any important conversations. Despite a full stomach, one will still be able to discern many taste notes and aromas of the served beverage.
Inspired by Italian customs, digestif can be served with strong coffee and a piece of cake or other sweet treat. Contrary to appearances, they will help you relax and... sleep soundly until morning.