Digestif

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A digestif is a beverage, usually small and alcoholic, which is consumed at the end of a meal. Some believe that a digestif aids the digestion of food. The term is lifted from French. Digestifs can be compared with apéritifs, which are drunk before a meal — usually, the digestif will be heavier and more alcoholic. A common rule of thumb is that white (clear) spirits are served as apéritifs while brown ones are served as digestifs.

Digestifs are usually drunk neat and are most often spirits; cognac is a common selection. Other likely choices include armagnacs, brandies, and whiskies. Some wines (usually fortified) are served as digestifs as well — for instance, port, sherry, or madeira. Non-alcoholic drinks such as coffee, though often drunk following a meal, would usually not be considered digestifs.