Do you know the difference between aperitifs and digestifs? A lot of people don’t. In fact, many people mix them up. Aperitifs and digestifs are two different types of drinks that are meant to be enjoyed at different times. Aperitifs are meant to be consumed before a meal while digestifs should be drunk after a meal (more on this later).
But the differences don’t end there. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two types of drinks in detail.
Timing
As we’ve already mentioned, the biggest difference between these two types of drinks is when they are meant to be consumed. The aperitif, or L’aperitif in French, is enjoyed before a meal in order to stimulate the appetite. Digestifs, on the other hand, are meant to be drunk after a meal in order to help with digestion.
Alcohol Content
Another major difference between aperitifs and digestifs is the alcohol content. Aperitifs are usually lower in alcohol content than digestifs. This is because aperitifs are meant to be drunk before a meal, when your stomach is empty.
Digestifs, on the other hand, are meant to be drunk after a meal. Therefore, they can be higher in alcohol since your stomach will already have some food in it to help absorb the alcohol.
The Flavour
Another difference between these two types of drinks is the flavour. Aperitifs are typically lighter and more refreshing while digestifs are often heavier and richer. This is because aperitifs are meant to stimulate your appetite while digestifs are meant to help you digest your food. Aperitifs often have citrusy or herbaceous flavours while digestifs can be sweeter or even savoury.
Serving Size
Serving size is another difference worth mentioning. Aperitifs are typically served in smaller glasses since they are lower in alcohol content and meant to be consumed before a meal. Digestifs are usually served in larger glasses since they are higher in alcohol content and meant to be drunk after a meal.
Preparation
Lastly, these two types of drinks differ in their preparation. Aperitifs are typically made with lighter liquors like gin or vodka while digestifs are often made with heavier liquors like whiskey or brandy. Again, this has something to do with their purpose: aperitifs are meant to stimulate your appetite and digestifs are meant to help you digest your food.
As you can see, there are many differences between aperitifs and digestifs. You might want to keep these things in mind the next time you’re planning a meal.
Examples of Aperitifs
- Gin and Tonic
- Vodka Martini
- Negroni
Examples of Digestifs
- Whiskey neat
- Brandy Alexander
Summary
Aperitifs and digestifs are two different types of drinks that serve different purposes. Aperitifs are meant to be consumed before a meal in order to stimulate the appetite while digestifs are meant to be taken after a meal in order to help with digestion.
Aperitifs typically have lower alcohol content than digestifs and they often have lighter, more refreshing flavours. Digestifs usually have higher alcohol content and heavier, richer flavours. Cheers!
