French term (lat. digestio = digestion) for alcoholic drinks that are drunk after a meal to aid digestion. Other names are "Verdauerli" or in Alemannic "Verrisserle" (Switzerland) and in northern Germany also "Absacker" or "Zerhacker". However, the distinction between the drinks known as aperitifs (appetisers before a meal) is blurred. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not help to stimulate digestion. Only herbal bitters...
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien