A Primer on Aperitivo and Digestivo

You might have seen the terms "aperitif", "aperitivo", "digestif", and "digestivo" on some labels of European liqueurs and wondered what they mean. Aperitif and aperitivo are the French and Italian words , respectively, for a drink to be had before dinner, to whet the appetite and get the digestive tract ready to eat.

There are many styles of aperitivo, but they all have a few things in common. They're usually low in alcohol to keep the appetite up, herbaceous and dry instead of sugary, and served with some sort of carbonated water or wine. They also all tend to use herbs and ingredients that wake up the drinker's appetite. Some can even be used as both an aperitivo and digestivo.

Types of Aperitivo

Aperol, Campari, and Cynar are a few brand names you might recognize. Categories of spirits that have Aperitivo status include vermouth and vermouth-esque spirit brands like Lillet and Dubonnet, light bodied and dry sherries, anise-based spirits like ouzo, gin, and even dry wine.

How to drink

Aperitivi are usually consumed neat in a snifter or cordial glass, and are generally best when chilled. On the rocks is acceptable, but it will soften up the flavors while opening up the aromas. They can be topped with soda water to make a spritz or tonic water (quinine in tonic water will accentuate the dryness).

Aperitivo cocktails such as the Negroni, the Spritz, the Americano, or even Gin & Tonic and a traditional Martini (with a proper vermouth ratio) are perfect for this first course. It is good to drink an aperitivo about 30 to 60 minutes before the first food course.

Digestivo

On the other hand, digestivi are liqueurs that aid in digestion after the meal. They can be bitter, but usually have a sweet component, and are made with herbs that help digestion. Categories of digestivo spirits include brandy (cognac or armagnac), Madeira, port, amaro, limoncello, and more. Digestivi tend to be more on the rich side. Think Jagermeister, Sambuca, Benedictine, Fernet-Branca, Galliano, Grand Marnier.

Digestivo cocktails can be anything made with sweet vermouth, like a Manhattan, or something like the French Connection, which is cognac and amaretto. Coffee by itself is also a digestivo, as caffeine helps with digestion.

Overall, these liqueurs are something that should be added to your home bar. Sample a few at the bar and find something you like. It's a category worth exploring.