Bitter after-dinner is an alcoholic beverage with a predominantly bitter aftertaste, which is achieved through the use of plant drugs. It is used for its eupeptic properties and as an aperitif and, if very rich in alcohol, as a digestive at the end of the meal. In Italy is widely used and offered also after a dinner in all the restaurants.
This beverage, from the technical point of view, is part of the so-called spirit drinks, or drinks that are produced directly by distillation, maceration and addition of flavorings, or by mixing one spirit drink with another, with the addition of ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or with distillates. In addition to spirits, liquors are included, which should not be confused with each other, because they are two completely different alcoholic beverages.
All spirit drinks have a very bitter taste that is given through the aromatization of ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin and natural flavoring substances. Bitter has an alcohol content of 15% vol. and can also be marketed with the term “bitter” in association with another term.
Bitter 13 herbs recipe
The bitter 13 herbs is one of the great digestive classics that can also be made at home. It is a liqueur made from aromatic herbs that has long boasted many properties, including digestive ones. All selected herbs should be left to infuse for several days before filtration.
For the preparation of this homemade drink, you must have available the following ingredients:
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3 mint leaves
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3 leaves of Verbena
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3 basil leaves
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3 lemon leaves
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3 bay leaves
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3 sprigs of rosemary
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3 pinches of chamomile flowers
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3 cloves
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3 juniper berries
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1 tablespoon of tea
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½ stick of cinnamon
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400 grams of granulated sugar
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400 milliliters of natural water
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0.6 l of alcohol at 95°
Method
Start the recipe by placing all the herbs in a glass container. Then add the alcohol and let it soak for 3 days. Once this time has elapsed, take a medium-sized saucepan and melt the sugar. Wait for this to cool and add to the infusion. Now close the container and let it rest for another 3 days. Then, filter the drink with a strainer or a sieve to remove any impurities and bottled. Store in the fridge or freezer and serve as a digestive at the end of the meal.
Bitter after-dinner recipe with basil and bitter mint
To make a basil bitter after-dinner you need the following ingredients:
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40 grams of fresh basil leaves
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50 milliliters of alcohol at 95°
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20 grams of lemon peel (only yellow part)
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1 liter of dry white wine
Method:
Start the recipe by placing the fresh basil leaves in a container with alcohol, taking care to stir frequently. Leave to soak for 6 days after which filter with a colander. Add the dry white wine that must be very good and quality. Filter again and transfer the liquid to a bottle. Put it in the fridge and let it cool a few hours before consumption. If you love the smells of aromatic herbs, this drink will have a positive effect on digestion and will delight your palate.
For the home-made preparation of the bitter mint you must have available the following ingredients:
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1 liter of alcohol at 95°
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1 kilogram of granulated sugar
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50 grams of fresh mint leaves
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1 handful of aniseed seeds
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500 milliliters of natural water
Preparation
Start the recipe by macerating the anise seeds in the alcohol together with the chopped mint leaves. Leave the mixture to soak for a week, then filter carefully with a strainer. Now take a medium-sized saucepan and melt the granulated sugar in half a liter of still water. Then add the preparation made previously and mix well with a ladle. At this point you can bottle the drink and put it in the fridge or freezer. The bitter mint must be consumed after two months of rest.
Bitter recipe with artichoke
For the home preparation of this drink you need the following ingredients at home:
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500m grams of artichoke leaves
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1 liter of alcohol at 70°
Method
Soak the artichoke leaves you have available for 12 days in alcohol. Subsequently filter the mixture with a strainer or with the enological paper. Once this operation is complete, you can bottle the drink. Consider that this bitter is particularly strong, so if you like it you can add 150 ml of water and 150 grams of sugar. In doing so, you will make the drink sweeter and lighter.
