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Notes -
Digestifs seem to be a very European phenomenon. All across Europe, most countries have some types of liquors that many people drink a small amount of after their dinner to "aid digestion". Grappa is one popular example. Aperitifs are a similar phenomenon, meant to be drank before a meal.
However, I remember hearing previously that any alcohol consumption will actually hinder digestion, by needing to be processed in a lengthy manner.
Is there any support for digestives and aperitifs actually working? What does "aid digestion" actually mean? Does it mean that it makes you feel less full? Does it help increase your metabolism?
Translation: it's an excuse to drink more.
CNS depressants/muscle relaxants generally exacerbate heartburn, which is why recommendations if you get it tend to be "don't drink so much then"- so I find it very difficult to believe that alcohol can be any kind of digestive aid.
Another contributor to my interpretation is the typical ABV of the digestif- about 40%- whereas aperitifs tend to be about half that. A full stomach inhibits alcohol absorption, so it makes sense that the after-dinner drink should be stiffer than the pre-dinner drink for the same effect.
Maybe "keeping the party going" is a digestive aid all its own, though.
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