There is simply no better way to finish off a delicious meal than with an equally delicious after dinner drink. But you may be wondering: how do these dinner drinks actually work? What do you eat with them, if anything? Better yet, what even IS an after dinner drink? As one of the best Roswell restaurants, we’re confident that we can give you all the answers you need. With any luck, by the end of this blog, we will have cleared up your confusion.
What is an after dinner drink called?
After dinner drinks are often referred to as digestifs, not to be confused with the aperitif meaning of drinks before dinner. This after dinner drink is actually the French word for “digestive,” meaning they are exactly what the name suggests: alcoholic beverages typically served after a meal to aid digestion. In contrast to dessert drinks, digestifs tend to be far less sweet with a higher alcohol content and can be enjoyed during, after, or even in place of a dessert. Traditionally, these dinner drinks simply consisted of an alcohol with herbs and spices, but they have since evolved to encompass much more than that.
Why do people drink coffee after dinner?
Whether it is due to family tradition, culture, or the need to shake off the drowsiness that comes after a big meal, coffee is a popular after dinner drink, and it is considered a digestif even though it doesn’t have alcohol. Not only can a cup of coffee prevent snacking or overeating, the caffeine in coffee also helps to stimulate your intestinal tract which, you guessed it, aids in your digestion. After dinner coffee drinks come in all types, from shots of espresso to White Russians.
What to Serve with After Dinner Drinks
When looking for the perfect treat to pair with your dinner drink, the possibilities are endless. For instance, biscotti with coffee is always a popular choice. Some other classic options include small chocolate cakes, fresh fruit, and nuts. You can also go for after dinner mints, dark chocolate covered strawberries, or even apple pie.
Cocktails that Go Well with Dessert
If you are looking for a sweet after dinner drink, reaching for a genre of beverages known as “dessert drinks” might just satisfy that craving. These drinks are typically sweet in nature and come in all varieties. Dessert wines, sometimes called pudding wines, are a bit difficult to specifically define but in general, they are considered to be any sweet wine drunk with a meal. However, dessert cocktails tend to be modeled after sweet treats, making them a great match to any dessert. Some popular options include pudding shots, frozen mudslides, Guinness floats, caramel apple martinis, and Brandy Alexanders.
Best Drink After Dinner for Digestion
The aperitif meaning of drinks before dinner entails that digestion isn’t necessarily an issue. For a digestif to settle the stomach and stimulate the digestive enzymes in the stomach, the beverage you pick needs to be higher in alcohol content than the average drink. If you are not sure where to start, the most common types of digestifs include brandy (Cognac, Armagnac, etc), fortified wines such as sweet sherry, vermouth, and port, distilled liquors like schnapps or tequila, and liquor cocktails.
Save Room for an After Dinner Drink at The Mill
The next time you are looking for some of the best after dinner drinks, look no further than The Mill, a favorite downtown Roswell restaurant. Our bartenders are eager to mix up the perfect cocktail to go with any meal. While you’re here, be sure to take a look at the tasty treats we offer to go along with your dinner drink. We have something that is sure to please everyone in your party. Be sure to give us a call today to book your spot!
