Funny - I hail from sturdy NE Italian stock and nothing is ringing a bell. If anything it was baking soda/water mix or Alka Seltzer. Milk for hot peppers, not ice water. And as far as hiccups go. I just hold my breath on and off until they go away.
Grappa & Fenet Branca belong in The Godfather imo.
A good (emphasis on good) grappa is a revelation. Nothing like that jet fuel stuff that’s handed out freely post-dinner at some Italian restaurants.
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I drink grappa quite often! It’s wonderful but I guess an acquired taste indeed. Nonino is the brand you want and a good one many people will like is the moscato. So, Nonino grappa di moscato.
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Ive been making my own for years…along with liqueurs from anything thats in season, inexpensive, or interesting
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Grappa is another thing my father developed a liking for - in Italy. Never had it in a restaurant in the states.
I’d only had it in Italian restaurants in Germany, and since it’s a freebie after dinner — like ouzo at Greek restos, or plum wine at Chinese restos — it’s def not the greatest quality.
And I can rarely stomach the viscous, sticky-sweet Sambuca. The flaming coffee beans on top are the best part of that digestif.
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Never tried Sambuca. If the farming coffee beans are the best part… well, I don’t prefer dark roasts anyway. 
And you better blow out the fire before taking a sip 
I’ve always wanted singed eyebrows ….
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#lifegoals, baby 
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not specifically italian, but chewing on fennel seeds relieves gas. and fennel tea (1 tablespoon seeds in a mug of boiling water) is great for settling an upset stomach.
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