We have all been there. After engorging yourself on an enormous meal of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans with biscuits and gravy, letting out that belt buckle two more notches just does not give enough relief from your indulgence. Death by chocolate cheesecake is offered, but that would just compound the misery. What is needed is what Europeans call a digestif, a bitter liqueur that will settle the stomach and aid digestion. One very popular version is the Italian amaro Fernet Branca.

The libation is a dark potion produced by macerating a clear grain-derived brandy with an assortment of herbs known for their bitter, earthy flavor and soothing, healing properties. The flavor is definitely different, as my take on it is pretty much like liquefied black dirt, but in a good way. The potion originated in Italy and has amassed a cult following in the United States. It is wildly popular in Argentina where it is mixed with a small amount of cola over ice, making a drink called Fernet con Coca.