Digestif
Pronunciation: di-zhes-tif Also known as: Verdauungsschnaps
A spirit or liqueur served after a meal, usually strong, herbal or high in alcohol.
A digestif is traditionally served at the end of a meal, to close the menu. Typical are brandies such as fruit brandy, grappa, cognac, herbal liqueurs, bitter spirits or aged spirits. They are generally stronger and enjoyed in small amounts.
The idea behind it is tradition: the digestif rounds off the meal and invites a relaxed end to the evening. According to current understanding, no reliable effect on health or digestion can be claimed. Its counterpart is the aperitif before the meal.