With the holidays upon us surely we are bound to overindulge once or twice. While the enjoyment of a holiday feast brings pleasure, the feeling of being stuffed to the point of being put into food coma is not such a good time. Try a digestif after a large meal.
A digestif is technically any alcoholic drink served after a meal in the name of digestion. Almost any aged liquor makes a great digestif, though brandies are the most traditional. This includes Eau de Vie, Calvados, grappa, and other brandies as well as the distinguished Cognac and Armagnac. Whiskeys, particularly scotch, are also quite popular, and añejo tequilas are excellent as well. Bitter herbal-liqueur digestifs (amaros) contain specifically carminative (i.e., anti-gas) herbs, such as basil, cardamon, fennel, and licorice. Fernet-Branca is a popular brand. Do they work? Sure — anything that tastes bitter is believed to encourage the body to get things moving. (Bitters in sparkling or flat water can also be useful.) Hey, it’s worth a ‘shot!’

• Tags:
• Complementary Therapies