Picture of a small wine glass with a dark brown liquid in it (Aperitif) and herbs and spices (Digestif)

Discovery Series Explores Aperitifs and Digestifs

Aperitifs and digestifs have been a staple in European dining for over fifteen hundred years, and are gaining popularity in America, especially for holiday meals and festivities.

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Before dinner: aperitif, after dinner: digestif.

Aperitifs are enjoyed before large meals to whet the palate.

The word aperitif comes from the Latin verb aperire meaning “to open,” and refers to an alcoholic beverage enjoyed before dinner for the purpose of stimulating the palate and increasing one’s appetite. Aperitifs are generally dry in taste and light in body.

Before dinner: aperitif, after dinner: digestif.

Digestifs should be enjoyed after a meal to help full diners wind down and aid in digestion.

The word digestif comes from the Latin root word digerere meaning “to separate.” Digestifs are served after dinner for the purpose of settling the stomach and to aid in digestion. They are generally higher in alcohol and can have a strong, bitter or herbal taste profile.

Before dinner: aperitif, after dinner: digestif.

There are a variety of aperitifs and digestifs to enjoy this holiday season!

Aperitifs include high-acid white wines, champagne, sherry and vermouth. Alternatively, digestif styles include a variety of bitter liqueurs such as fernet or chartreuse, aged spirits such as cognac or whiskey, or popular semi-sweet cordials like grand marnier or limoncello.

Prominent styles of aperitifs and digestifs.

Discovery Series Explores Aperitifs and Digestifs

Before dinner: aperitif, after dinner: digestif.

Aperitifs are enjoyed before large meals to whet the palate.

Before dinner: aperitif, after dinner: digestif.

Digestifs should be enjoyed after a meal to help full diners wind down and aid in digestion.

Before dinner: aperitif, after dinner: digestif.

There are a variety of aperitifs and digestifs to enjoy this holiday season!

Prominent styles of aperitifs and digestifs.

Featured Apertifs and Digestifs