Apertif and Digestif Flashcards
What are apertifs and digestifs?
Drinks that are typically alcoholic served before (apertif) or after (digestif) a meal.
What is an apertif?/What are its qualities?
An alcoholic drink that is usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. They are usually dry rather than sweet.
What are some common choices for an apertif?
Vermouth, champagne, pastis, gin, ouzo, fino, amontillado or other styles of dry sherry.
What are apertifs usually served with?
An hors d’oeuvre or amuse-bouche, such as crackers, cheese, pate, quiche or olives.
Where does the word “apertif” come from?
It is a French word that derived from the Latin verb “aperire”, which means to open.
Since when have apertifs existed?/How do we know?
Since at least the fifth century. The fifth century Christian ascetic Diadochos of Photiki is quoted saying, “People who wish to discipline the sexual organs should avoid drinking those artificial concoctions which are called ‘apertifs’ –presumably because they open a way to the stomach for the vast meal which is to follow.”
What is Dubonnet?
An apertif created by chemist Joseph Dubonnet as a means of delivering malaria-fighting quinine. The quinine was too bitter so he developed a formula of herbs/spices to mask the flavor. It worked so well that French Foreign Legion soldiers made use of it in mosquito infested Northern Africa; the recipe has remained well-guarded. Dubonnet’s wife liked it so much, she shared it with her friends and the popularity spread.
What is a digestif?/What are its qualities?
An alcoholic beverage served after a meal, traditionally believed to aid digestion. They are usually sweet, stronger in alcohol, and/or more bitter.
What are some common choices for a digestif?
Brandy (Cognac, Armagnac, alembic-made), [Eaux de vie (fruit brandies, Schnapps, Calvados), Pomace brandy (grappa), Tsikoudia, Orujo], Fortified wines, Liqueurs bitter or sweet, Distilled liquors, liquor cocktails.
What do bitter digestifs typically contain?
Carminative herbs, with the intention of aiding digestion. Carminatives (Latin word carmen - “card for wool”) are often mixtures of essential oils and herbal spices with a tradition in folk medicine to help in digestion. “To dilute and relax the gross humours from whence the wind arises, combing them out like knots in wool.”
What are some examples of carminatives?
Angelica, anise seed, basil, caraway, cinnamon, liquorice, marjoram, parsley, pepper, sage, thyme, etc. etc.
