Digestifs

[Priscilla]

Had a nice drink last evening, late, an after-dinner drink, a, dareIsay, digestif.

Called Satan's Whiskers, (which is either a slightly naughty or full-on stoopit name, haven't yet decided), I found the recipe on the invaluable Cocktail site featuring recipes and lore from Paul Harrington and Laura Moorhead, and the Consort shook it up as per usual.

Despite my reservations regarding its name it was a very very good drink, an alchemic greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts like all good cocktails. Almost uncompromisingly bitter, with complex, ongoingly-unfolding flavors.

(The Cocktail website was much earlier introduced to eGullet right here, and I am forever indebted. It's a tremendous resource.)

In our house a hit of Cognac or Calvados is much more usual than a cocktail at digestif time, but I am imbued with new resolve to explore this category.

Any other digestifing going on out there?

[monkeymay]

I am a big fan of the Brancas - Fernet Branca and Brancameta.

Served over ice or sometimes with a splash of soda, they always make my tummy feel better, especially after excess. The Brancamenta is also good with a shot of brandy- served up in a pony glass I feel very much like I'm having cocktails in Left Bank Paris with Tyrone Power in "The Sun also Rises."

[beans]

After Dinner drinks from a website I think is kinda cool.

Elsewise, here's a start:

brandy drinks (scroll down and you will see 206 choices)

drinks using port (again scroll down for 26 choices)

drinks using sherry (scroll, scroll to see 37 choices)

coffee drinks (111 choices! YUM)

edit to add: 7 Fernet Branca choices.

You'll find it all -- classics, new and the funny named.

Edited January 29, 2004 by beans (log)

[monkeymay]

Thanks for the tip Beans!

I epecially like the Piedra Putamadre - tequila, anisette and Fernet Branca(!) - who knew?

Gotta try that one soon.

Cheers,

Monica

[Amuse Bouche]

In our house, it's usually a hit of single malt scotch, though if it's around we'll go for grappa or eau-de-vie. My favorite is probably unadulterated Grand Marnier, though a new liqueur has come out called Douce de Provence which is like a pear flavored Grand Marnier.

Of course, the best digestif ever was the bottle of 150 Anniversary Grand Marnier I happened to pick up in Italy for all of $25 and nearly drank the whole bottle before I realized how valuable it was!

[Pirate (510)]

Hey all.

Just wanted to also give big props to Fernet Branca's stomach-curing properties. My wife's got a delicate digestion sometimes and a shot of Fernet and a ginger ale back does just the trick. It's also quite good in coffee.

An acquired taste for sure, but one we've found worth acquiring.