Grappa
Grappa, the typical Italian distilled spirit made the grape seeds, stalks, and stems leftover after crushing during the winemaking process, has been produced since as far back as the Middle Ages. Generations of Italians have sipped this strong, dry, clear spirit after meals and even "corrected" their morning or after dinner espresso with it. Once considered an acquired taste popular only in Italy, Grappa is today carving out a niche for itself around the world. In fact, distilleries from Australia to Oregon are now distilling Grappa with surprisingly good results.
Produced originally in the Veneto region, in the town of Bassano del Grappa, it took its name from the place where it was first distilled. As with many other Italian products, Grappa was first produced by peasants in order to use up everything available in a poor environment. In addition, the drink was strong enough to warm up the Alpine farmers throughout the cold winter months. Grappa remained a drink for poor workmen and farmers until the 1960s, when like many "poor" products, it was discovered by the growing middle class and production expanded from the original Alpine area to all of Italy.
Lemon Mint (Monarda Citriodora)
Lemon mint, also known as purple horse mint or lemon bee balm, is a part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), which has a citrus smell. When crushed, the scent is reminiscent of the fruit of the actual lemon plant.
Lemon mint has purple flowers that prove irresistible to both bees and hummingbirds. Sometimes, especially late in the season, the odor is described as resembling oregano more than lemon.
Lemon Mint Grappa
To flavor grappa, or your distilled spirit of choice, such as vodka or gin, insert several fresh stems of peppermint in a glass bottle, preferably an empty bottle used originally for the same type of liquor. Flavor will be noticeable after a few weeks, but of course it increases by leaving it longer and adding more mint, so experiment to find your own taste.
The combination of Distilleria Mangilli's quality grappa with organic peppermint grown in my garden produces a smoother drink which is truly helpful in easing the digestion process after a particularly rich meal.
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