We all know about aperitif drinks, aka predinner drinks, and their magical effects. And yet, so few of us know what they are, how to drink them, or which ones to choose. Anise (aniseed):Anise is a flowering plant that produces seeds (aniseed) with a distinct licorice-like flavor. Anise-flavored liqueurs, such as absinthe and ouzo, are made by distilling anise seeds. Anise is used in cooking and baking, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The main flavor compound in anise is anethole, which gives it a sweet and spicy taste. Whatever the mixture is, it's macerated for five months in alcohol and water. This concentrate is blended and filtered, then stored in oak barrels for a year. After that time, it is blended with sugar, caramel, and more water and alcohol before it's bottled at 35 percent alcohol by volume (70 proof) Suze is a well-known French Gentian apéritif launched in 1889 which won a gold medal at the world fair of 1889 and again in 1900. By 1912 it was a hit and inspired picassos painting “ La Bouteille de Suze”. Amaro: Originating in Italy, amaro is a bittersweet liqueur typically enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. Amaro is made using a blend of herbs, roots, and citrus peels, and is characterized by its dark, caramelized color and distinctive bitter taste.

Take a sip of your root beer float and assess how much liquor you really want in it. If it's too weak, you can always add more liquor. If the flavor is to your liking, fill the mug to the top with more root beer.Guignolet is a French wild cherry liqueur first created around 1632 by religious monks in Angers, France, whose original recipe was forgotten until the Cointreau brothers revived it. It’s named after the Guigne, the main variety of cherry it’s made with.

Not off to a great start, I know. But there are some reasons to drink it for more than just its taste (in moderation, of course). Health Benefits In moderation, alcohol generally helps to lower the risk of developing diabetes, and could potentially help people with diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively. This effect happens with low sugar-drinks. You want to start by figuring out what version you plan on making and then make your ice cubes the night before. Here are your options and corresponding ice cubes: It is likely that the mysterious parts of the process have led to some of the intrigue surrounding the spirit. Despite the rumors, Jägermeister does not include deer blood, opium, or any other nasty ingredient. Dictionary definition: arak. (n.d.) American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011). Retrieved 10 March 2016.Liqueurs are often served with or after a dessert, but in France, certain liqueurs are enjoyed as a French apéritif. Unicum is deeply rooted in Hungarian culture and is a traditional digestif after meals. Its unique taste and long-standing legacy have made it a symbol of Hungarian heritage, cherished by locals and embraced by adventurous palates seeking an authentic and memorable drinking experience. Pastis (France)