After-dinner drinks

The last crumbs are picked from the plate, the glasses are empty and the enthusiastic chatter has faded into murmurs. The evening is drawing to a close, but this is precisely when the really good conversations begin. In short: time for the ideal nightcap. We’ve listed the best options for you.

Amaro

Amaro is Italian for bitter. This bittersweet herbal liqueur is made with ingredients including spices, flowers and roots. The exact recipe varies by producer and is, of course, strictly secret. The bitters in amaro get your digestion going by stimulating your stomach acid. In short: a worthy ending to a substantial dinner.

Cognac

The French prefer to end their evening with a glass of cognac, which is made by distilling white wine twice. Only nine grape varieties may be used for this purpose. Cognac must also be aged in wooden barrels for at least two years and have an alcohol content of at least 40%. And, of course, cognac only comes from the Cognac region.

Grappa

Another famous Italian drink: grappa. The name is derived from the word ‘grappolo’, meaning bunch of grapes. This distillate is made from the remains of grapes after winemaking. Originally, grappa was made to prevent waste. Its flavour therefore depends on the type of wine and the barrels. A dash of grappa in coffee is called a café corretto.

Nutty drinks

Nutty flavours are wonderful after a meal. Combined with alcohol, they provide a warm flavour and rosy cheeks. Think, for example, of the Italian amaretto made from almonds or Frangelico made from hazelnuts. These liqueurs have a sweet flavour and are therefore somewhat more accessible than cognac and grappa.