What are the best drinks to have after dinner?
- Port Wine
- Aged Rum
- Sherry
- Chartreuse
- Single Malt Scotch
- Grand Marnier
- Brandy
It’s always a good time for a drink. Whether you’re having wine with dinner, champagne for a special occasion, or sake with friends, drinks are quintessential elements of a social gathering or a delicious meal. And with the variety of drinks available, you are sure to find something that works for any time of the day.
This article compiles the best after-dinner drinks for your reference. If you’re ever on the lookout for a good nightcap, don’t stress! We’ve got some top recommendations for you.
Port Wine
Port wine is a fortified wine originating from the Douro Valley region of northern Portugal. Typically sweet or semi-sweet red wine, Port is made by adding brandy or another spirit to the wine during fermentation, thus stopping the fermentation process and leaving residual sugar in the wine. Port is typically aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.
There are several types of Port, any of which can serve as a good digestif or dessert wine, including Ruby Port, Tawny Port, Vintage Port, and Late Bottled Vintage Port. As a dessert wine specifically, it pairs well with chocolate, cheese, and other sweet, rich foods.
Aged Rum
Rum may be best known for tiki-style cocktails, but a dark, aged rum is actually a pretty good end to a busy day since the slow sips and rich texture should help you relax. This type of rum has been aged in oak barrels for an extended period of time, giving it flavors and aromas which can include notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
From our shelves, you might want to consider the Negrita Dark Rum. Its restrained tart nature is full of expressive exotic aromas of banana and pineapple, with hints of lemon, vanilla, and a slightly sweet aftertaste. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled to truly savor its complex flavors.
Sherry
Sherry is made from white grapes and fortified with brandy during the fermentation process to increase its alcohol content. It is produced through a special aging and blending process called the solera system. This involves aging the wine into a series of barrels, with the youngest wine being added to the oldest barrels over time. The result is a consistent flavor profile and a blend of different vintages.
There are several different styles of sherry; Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso are some of the main ones. For a light, dry sherry with a crisp, refreshing flavor, we recommend the Lustau Puerto Fino to top off your meal.
Chartreuse
Chartreuse is a herbal liqueur that originated in France and is made from a secret blend of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few monks who have been entrusted with its production.
There are two main types of Chartreuse: green, which is sweet and herbal with notes of anise, mint, and citrus, and yellow, which is a milder, sweeter, and more floral version made from a slightly different blend of herbs. Either of the two types makes for a good digestif, and can also be used in cocktails as a complex and unique ingredient.
Single Malt Scotch
Single malt Scotch is a type of whiskey that is made exclusively from barley, water, and yeast and is distilled in Scotland. The term “single malt” indicates that it is produced from a single batch of malted barley and for it to be considered a Scotch, it must be distilled in Scotland and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years.
From our stocks, we recommend the Glen Moray Single Malt Classic Chardonnay Finish, which has a perfect balance of caramelized fruit, butterscotch, and lingering notes of toasted oats. With a fresh, clean nose, soft mouthfeel, and a gentle floral finish, this drink is more than something to sip at—it’s an experience.
Grand Marnier
An orange-flavored liqueur that blends cognac with orange essence and sugar, Grand Marnier has a recipe that is another closely-guarded secret, but it’s no secret that this liqueur is a good digestif.
Equal parts refreshing and relieving, this mixed beverage has a distinctive flavor profile with notes of orange—of course—caramel, vanilla, and spice. It’s also available in different varieties and is considered to be a high-quality and sophisticated liqueur to be enjoyed as a treat.
Brandy
With a name that comes from the Dutch word meaning “burnt wine,” brandy is made by distilling wine or other fermented fruit juices. Each type of brandy has its own unique flavor profile, which is a result of the fruit used, the aging process, and other factors.
Often serving as a good digestif after a meal, it can also be used as a cocktail ingredient. Typically, it is served at room temperature or slightly warmed, and is considered a sophisticated and refined drink.
Key Takeaway
Having a drink is the best way to feel less bloated after a big dinner or to cap off a perfect meal. Hopefully, this list of the best after-dinner drinks contains one or two that will spark your interest. If you’ve already got a drink in mind, find it at Ralph’s, home of the best red wines in the Philippines. Order your favorite today!
