After-dinner drinks conjure up memories of hazy gentlemen’s clubs. And by memories, we mean completely fictitious scenarios drawn up in our heads. Regardless, delicately sipping on an aromatic and full-bodied liqueur after a hearty meal is a long-steeped tradition. The Italians stick out as the utimate masters of this intricate art. Liqueurs are obtained most commonly by the maceration and infusion of plants or citrus rinds in ethyl alcohol or brandy. There are 3 subdivisions that help guide dipsomaniacs to the liqueurs most adequate to their carousing sensibilities: sweet, semi-sweet and bitter.
For those who think they would benefit form a hearty nightcap post-meal but lack the knowledge and confidence to order one, Street is here to help! Learn the following, and you too can sound like a pretentious connoisseur...
BITTER (AMARI)
Grappa: Originally produced to avoid waste after winemaking, Grappa is a grape-based brandy, made from the distillation of grapes in the alcohol. Purists insist on serving Grappa in the traditional shot glass at room temperature instead of the elaborate flute glasses introduced with boutique Grappa manufacturing.
SWEET:
Sambucca: A colorless, anise-flavored liqueur. Essential oils obtained from the star anise are combined with sugar and macerated in pure alcohol. Although it can be savored on the rocks or neat, many people opt to flavor their after-dinner coffees with Sambucca instead of sugar. Sambucca con la mosca (literally, “Sambucca with flies”) is a regional favorite where coffee beans float in the liqueur.
Frangelico: This type of hazelnut, vanilla and cocoa berry-accented liqueur, produced in Canale, Italy is commonly served on ice or with coffee.
SEMI-SWEET:
Nocello: Similar in taste to Frangelico, Nocello is a hazelnut liqueur with rounded walnut flavor and delicate vanilla tones. Serve mixed with cognac and cream for a rich digestive.
Limoncello: Probably the most widely-consumed Italian liqueur, limoncello is a staple on the after-dinner digestive scene. Produced mainly in Southern Italy, limoncello combines a base alcohol with lemon juice, sugar and lemon skin. Serve chilled for optimal pleasure.
