There are so many amazing cocktail drinks in the world! There are seasonal recipes, holiday drinks, and even cocktails that fit vegan and other special diets. And if you have read our article on the benefits of digestifs, you will be happy to know that there are even digestif cocktails!
Among all of the amazing winter cocktail recipes, as well as summer cocktails and other special drinks, there are such that aid digestion. This is great news for all the people who know what are digestifs and how they can help you feel even better after a meal.
Herbal liqueurs, which are used as digestifs on their own quite often, can also be used to create digestif cocktails. There are also some digestif spirits that can be blended with drink mixers and other cocktail ingredients to create after-dinner drinks.
If you are a restaurant owner looking for ideas on what kind of new cocktails to add to the beverage menu, here you will find new recipes to try. We have gathered a list of incredible digestif cocktails that will improve both your offers and the customer experience.
Digestif Cocktails to Enjoy After a Great Dinner
Although digestifs are traditionally consumed neat, there are some delicious digestif cocktails you should not miss out on. We are sure you have most, if not all of the ingredients in your beverage inventory already.
Here is our list of cocktails inspired by ingredients with digestive properties. Your customers will love them!
Key Takeaway: You can create many great digestif cocktails with the use of spirits and herbal liqueurs that have digestive properties. You can experiment with different flavor profiles and see what your customers like best.
1. Bitter Lemon Spritz
A refreshing and bittersweet cocktail where the main ingredient is amaro. As we have discussed in other articles on the topics of aperitifs and digestifs, amaro is a great drink to end your meal with. It’s not only delicious but aids digestion, too.
To make this delightful and easy drink, you will need:
- 2 oz of amaro (e.g., Campari)
- 1 oz of lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- soda water
- lemon twist for garnish
For the result to be delicious and beautiful, you should:
- Take a wine glass or a highball glass. Remember that choosing glassware well is important.
- Fill the glass of choice with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, mix all of the ingredients except the soda water.
- Strain the mixture into the glass, over the ice.
- Complete the drink by topping it with soda water.
- Don’t forget to use a lemon twist for the cocktail garnish.
2. Fernet and Cola
This simple but bold cocktail is a great way to end the night. It’s a digestif cocktail that is made of fernet liqueur and cola. You need 2 oz of fernet and cola to top of the drink - it’s that simple!
As for the garnish of this drink, you can use a wedge of lime or lemon. But if you want to do something less traditional and expected, experiment with alternative options.
3. Ginger Digestif
This soothing cocktail combines the warmth of brandy with the spicy kick of ginger liqueur. The cocktail has hints of spice but also some sweetness and herbal notes. This is a great brandy drink to offer to people who like comforting beverages.
Here is what you need to make a great Ginger Digestif:
- 1.5 oz of brandy
- 0.75 oz of ginger liqueur
- 0.5 oz of honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)
- lemon twist for garnish
Following the instructions will guarantee you delicious results:
- Get a rock glass of choice and fill it with ice.
- In a mixing glass that is also full of ice, add all of the ingredients.
- Stir well the drink to make sure all ingredients are blended.
- Strain the drink into the rocks glass and garnish it with a lemon twist.
4. Chamomile Sazerac
Chamomile is famous for its calming properties. It can also help digestion, which is why this drink made it to our digestif cocktails list.
If this drink sounds interesting and you want to try it, all you need is:
- 2 oz of rye whiskey
- 0.25 oz of chamomile syrup
- absinthe rinse
- lemon twist
To make a Chamomile Sazerac, you should:
- Get a rocks glass and coat it on the inside by swirling a little bit of absinthe.
- Put the glass in the freezer to chill it or put ice in it.
- Prepare the chamomile syrup by infusing simple syrup with chamomile tea.
- Allow the syrup to cool down before you continue.
- Combine the syrup and the whiskey.
- Remove the ice from the rock glass and pour the drink into it.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
5. Lemon-Lavender Martini
This version of Martini is a sophisticated and aromatic cocktail. It works well as a digestif, too. The floral and herbal notices of this drink will probably quickly make it a favorite among your customers.
To make a Lemon-Lavender Martini, you are going to need:
- 2 oz of lavender-infused vodka
- 0.5 oz of elderflower liqueur
- 0.25 oz of simple syrup
- lemon zest for garnish
These steps will ensure great results:
- Infuse vodka of your choice with dried or fresh lavender. Let the lavender steep for a few hours or overnight.
- Strain out the lavender before you use the vodka.
- Chill a martini glass by either placing it into the freezer or filling it with ice water to make the glass frosty before serving.
- In a shaker with ice add the liquid ingredients and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the martini glass.
- Rim the glass with lemon zest (see: how to rim a glass).
For this cocktail, you can also use lavender as a garnish or even a dried lemon round. Either way, the cocktail will be delicious and will look amazing!
Why Serve Digestif Cocktails?
When you run a restaurant, your main focus is probably the food. And although it’s the food that can win you a Michelin Star, you need to pay special attention to the beverages, too. They can make or break the experience of your customers and put you ahead of the competition.
A great drinks selection is going to keep people coming back to your restaurant. Drink and food pairings are of utmost importance in the hospitality industry and the restaurant business in particular. So take advantage of all the great resources we share here, on BinWise’s blog page and curate the perfect cocktail menu for your business!
Frequently Asked Questions about Digestif Cocktails
Need more information about digestif cocktails? Read the answers to these common questions!
What Are Common Ingredients in Digestif Cocktails?
Common ingredients include various spirits and herbal liqueurs. These could be brandy, whiskey or amaro. Fortified wines like vermouth, and botanical infusions are also typical. Ingredients can vary widely, offering a diverse range of flavors.
Can I Make Non-Alcoholic Digestif Cocktails?
It's possible to create non-alcoholic digestif alternatives using herbal teas, flavored syrups, and non-alcoholic botanical infusions. These can provide a similar post-meal experience without alcohol.
How Do I Choose a Digestif Cocktail?
Choosing a digestif cocktail depends on personal preferences. Consider your taste for sweetness, bitterness, and specific flavor profiles. Traditional choices include brandy, amaro, or herbal liqueurs, but there's a wide range of options to explore.