Have you ever noticed those interesting drinks at the back of cocktail menus called Aperitifs and Digestifs? These are traditional drinks that are enjoyed before or after a meal. They may seem a bit fancy and acquired in taste, but bartenders love them for a good reason. Aperitifs are served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, while digestifs are enjoyed afterwards to aid digestion. The modern apéritif actually originated when a French chemist mixed quinine with wine in 1846 to fight malaria, and added herbs and spices to balance the bitter taste.
What is an Aperitif? The Art of Starting a Meal
A thoughtful way to start a meal is with an Aperitif, a delightful drink meant to awaken the senses and prepare the soul for the flavours to dance. Aperitifs often include dry Vermouths, Bitters, and Light Wines, offering a light and invigorating beginning to your dining experience.
Some popular Aperitifs at The Epicurean Trader include Lillet Blanc and Aperol.
Lillet - Blanc French Aperitif Wine (750ML)
What is a Digestif? The Perfect End to a Meal
Following a meal, a Digestif can provide a comforting touch, helping to ease digestion and bring a satisfying close to your dining experience. Common choices for Digestifs are Brandies, Liqueurs, and Fortified Wines, which offer a richer and more substantial way to conclude your meal.
Some Popular digestifs at The Epicurean Trader include Fernet Branca and Amaro Nonino.
Fratelli Branca Distillerie - Fernet-Branca Digestif (750ML)
When to Enjoy an Aperitif vs. a Digestif
As there is a saying, a good aperitif is the key to a great meal. That's why when it comes to aperitifs people often have them 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, not only is it good for the appetite but it also preps the taste buds to get flooded with flavours. Light and low-alcohol drinks like dry sherries, vermouths, and sparkling wines are some nice choices. Pairing them with light snacks like crackers, cheeses, and olives can be great options.
On the other hand, Digestifs are generally enjoyed after the meal as they help with digestion and wrap up the dining experience. A Digestif is like that final garnishing added to the meal. Higher alcohol drinks like Cognac, Armagnac, and herbal liqueurs like Amari are some common options, they're best enjoyed neat or with a simple dessert.
Amara Sicily - Amara D'Arancia Rossa Amaro (750ML)
Aperitifs such as Pastis and Kir are culturally very popular in France and are often enjoyed with light snacks before dinner. As French people say, “L’apéritif, c’est la convivialité” which means, The aperitif is all about conviviality. French people also appreciate digestifs such as Cognac and Armagnac after a big meal. In Italy, the tradition of Aperitivo involves socialising over drinks like Aperol Spritz or Campari with small bites. Italians love to enjoy digestifs like Grappa or Amaro after dinner as it helps in settling the stomach. Aperitivos such as Vermouth are savoured before meals, while digestifs like Sherry or Brandy are enjoyed post-dinner in Spain.
Italians also believe that, “L’aperitivo è un rito” i.e. The aperitif is a ritual. Aperitif like, Aperol is perfect for making a classic Aperol Spritz. Fernet-Branca is an excellent choice for a Digestif, known for its complex herbal flavours.
Popular Aperitifs and Digestifs: Must-Try Options
Aperitifs
Campari
Cappelletti - 'Americano Rosso' Aperitivo (750ML), If you love Campari, you've got to try Cappelletti! An artisanal wine-based aperitif made for four generations in the Alto-Adige region in Italy.
- Tasting Notes: Bitter orange, herbs, and spices.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve it over the ice with some fresh soda water and a slice of orange for a refreshing Campari Soda.
Aperol
Campari Group - 'Aperol' Aperitivo (750ML), A unique taste, thanks to a secret recipe that has never changed, with bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb and other roots in perfect proportions.
- Tasting Notes: Sweet and bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbs.
- Serving Suggestion: Mix with Prosecco and a splash of soda water and garnish it with an orange slice, to make an Aperol Spritz.
The Epicurean Trader also sells a ready-made, consume anytime, anywhere Aperol Spritz. Don’t forget it too.
Digestifs
Fernet-Branca
Fratelli Branca Distillerie - Fernet-Branca Digestif, Made with over 27 different herbs and spices including aloe, rhubarb, and saffron, sourced from four continents. Perfect for a post dinner digestif.
- Tasting Notes: Bitter herbs, menthol, and spices.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve neat or over ice, or mix with cola for a refreshing twist.
Meletti - Sambuca, First produced in 1870, this anise-flavoured liqueur is made by cold infusion of anise and other herbs harvested from local farms in Italy.
- Tasting Notes: Anise, licorice, and herbs.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve neat with three coffee beans for a traditional Italian presentation, or mix with coffee.
How to Create a Balanced Beverage Menu with Aperitifs and Digestifs?
Lighter aperitifs like dry Sherry (Bodegas Hidalgo - 'La Gitana' Manzanilla Sherry) or Vermouth pair well with appetisers or fish courses, while stronger options like Gin or Campari complement heartier dishes. A citrusy Aperol Spritz goes well with light appetisers like bruschetta or olives, while a Negroni’s bitter complexity complements richer dishes such as cured meats or aged cheeses.
Digestifs like Amaro pair well with dark chocolate or cheese platter while Brandy is best enjoyed with a crème brûlée (also known as Burnt cream and Trinity cream) or fruit tarts.
Know more about Amaro and its pairing tips here.
Expert Tips on Serving and Enjoying Aperitifs and Digestifs
When indulging in drinks in Italy, it is essential to be mindful of the pace at which they are consumed. Consuming drinks too quickly can be perceived as impolite.
In Italian culture, there is great emphasis on the art of savouring beverages.
Cleanliness and presentation play a vital role in this process, as using clean glassware is paramount when serving Aperitifs or Digestifs to preserve the authentic flavours of the drinks.
Furthermore, in Italy, when presented with a beverage during a gathering or meal, it is customary and polite to graciously accept it, as this gesture symbolises gratitude for the host's generosity and hospitality.
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Our recommendations
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Liiton - 'The Peaks' Crystal Whiskey Decanter Set, Crafted using X1 Crystalline, weighing in at 1lb each, the Peaks Glass is the only true precision glass sculpture of iconic mountains in a Crystal glass. The set includes one of each four iconic Mountains - Denali, Mont Blanc, K2 and Mt. Fuji.
The Patented Chill-Charge System chills down your drink in just 18 seconds. Quickly release whiskey aromas by swirling the spirits gently around the faces of the Peaks.
Enhancing Your Dining Experience with Aperitifs and Digestifs
Mastering the art of aperitifs and digestifs can truly enhance your dining experience. Aperitifs enjoyed before the meal, tantalise the taste buds and prepare you for the culinary adventure ahead. Afterwards, Digestifs aid in digestion and offer a delightful finale to your dining experience. Incorporating these beverages can elevate a regular meal into a truly unforgettable occasion.
Check out the epic collection of Aperitifs and Digestifs only on The Epicurean Trader.
