What to serve as a digestif?

Serving drinks during parties is quite a challenge for hosts. However, it is worth getting acquainted with concepts such as aperitif or deigestif to be able to use their beneficial effects not only on the course of the party itself, but above all on the health of your guests! What is a digestif and what should it contain?

Digestif or digestivo are words rightly associated with the English verb digest meaning to digest. Digestif is a drink that is intended to support the digestion of a large meal. However, it is not about stomach drops, which are given to people suffering from digestive problems, but about alcohol based on herbs, and often also vodka. High concentration of alcohol after a meal is supposed to dilate blood vessels and thus also support intestinal peristalsis. Various herbs contained in alcohol are known for their beneficial properties when it comes to supporting digestion.

Digestif is currently a slightly forgotten drink, but it definitely deserves to be restored to its former glory. It is worth remembering about it during the next holidays or name days that you plan to celebrate with your loved ones at the table.

Serving digestif during parties is not only a matter of preserving the old Polish tradition of serving food, or of impressing guests. The host’s role is to take care of the best, exquisite dishes, but also of the well-being of his guests. This is done not only by entertaining them with conversation and organizing various interesting evening attractions, but also by skillfully serving drinks.

During a party lasting several hours, guests do not want to drink the same thing all the time – for example wine. However, in addition to offering them a wide selection of wines to accompany their meal, it is also worth thinking about the little things that will significantly emphasize the unique character of the event. By opening the party with a glass of a good aperitif and possibly a small, intensely flavored snack, you can relax the party a bit and encourage conversation. Spicy, sour or salty appetizers together with lighter alcohols help continue the evening, and the main course is its culmination. However, it should be remembered that the main course is often fatty meat – which takes a long time to digest. It is worth supporting this process by serving herbal and spicy liqueur, which will accelerate the secretion of gastric juices and improve digestion, making room in the stomach for dessert! What to serve for a digestif?

When planning a party with a slightly larger number of dishes, it is worth thinking about what drink to serve for the digestif. Italians like to serve Muscat wine as a digestif, while Goldwasser is perfect for a Polish party. For me it’s just regular vodka, but a strong, 40% alcohol with a herbal and spicy flavor, which is great for digestion. Goldwasser is a drink that can be served both as an aperitif and as a digestif, because its intense character reflects well the character of both types of drinks.

Particles of real gold floating in a glass filled with Goldwasser will certainly interest the guests and encourage them to wash down their hearty meals with this beneficial drink. In Italy, the cradle of various parties and traditions related to serving alcohol, it is very common to serve a digestif with an espresso. This extremely strong, stimulating coffee will not only support digestion, but also stimulate the mind, which may become a bit sluggish after a fatty meal.

A drink drunk at the end of a meal to improve digestion is a way for party hosts to prevent guests from leaving the table too quickly, but to stay there and have a nice time – over dessert or other drinks. It is worth organizing a party at least once in your life, for example on Christmas, while maintaining the full culture of serving drinks and dishes – it will not only be a nice change, but also a way to control the mood of your guests!