Almost everyone has a sensitive stomach, at least from time to time. Whether you have frequent stomach issues or are just feeling a little queasy at the moment, you don’t want to miss out on a chance to celebrate, commiserate, or just generally indulge.
Here are some tips for cocktails that are easy on the stomach.
The French word digestif means digestive. It’s an alcoholic beverage served after dinner to aid in digesting your meal. Traditionally, the digestif includes brandy, fortified wine, and certain liqueurs. Bitters and herbal liqueurs can aid post-meal digestion, but these drinks can be good for a sensitive stomach in their own right.
Americans tend not to do big, late dinners that require an after-dinner drink, but that’s no reason not to feature digestifs on a bar menu. Digestifs made with herbs like fennel, cinnamon, and ginger are good for the taste buds and perfect for anyone who needs something easy on the stomach.
If you find that alcoholic drinks upset your stomach, here are a few things to avoid:
Carbonated beverages are on the maybe list. If you have issues with bloating, skip the bubbles. But if your stomach is temporarily feeling upset, try club soda or ginger beer as a mixer with your distilled alcohol of choice.
Many people are navigating dietary restrictions because of stomach issues, including those with food allergies and sensitivities. Keep detailed information available in an easy-to-understand format so your customers can determine if a cocktail is safe for them to drink.
On that same note, take dietary restrictions seriously. If a customer notes an allergy or other sensitivity to certain ingredients, help them steer clear of those things and offer them a great alternative.
Keep mixers such as sugar-free ginger beer, tonic, and juices on hand for low sugar options. Have a few high-quality bitters and herbal liqueurs as well, including digestifs like Aquavit, Cynar, and Strega. A splash of bitters in club soda or a glass of liqueur makes for a classy alternative to a traditional cocktail in a pinch.
Here’s one idea for a cocktail that’s easy on the stomach: The Kentucky Horsefeather. A twist on the Moscow Mule, the ginger can settle the stomach, and the bitters help with digestion.
Fill a highball glass with ice, add the first three ingredients, and stir to combine. Garnish with the lime wedge.
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