All the Spirits, Scotches, Cognacs, Vodka, Brandy's, Grappa, Armagnac, Bourbon, Single Malt Scotch, and exotic liqueurs such the Grand Marnier, and Sambuca can be gathered under the inspirational phrase, "water of life" (aqua vitae in Latin, eau de vie in French, even the word "whiskey" has its root in the Gaelic for "water of life").

The French refer frequently to cognac as an eau de vie (there is a University of Eaux de Vie in the town of Cognac), and all the fruit brandies are known categorically as eaux de vie. This rather lofty appellation was not inspired by the liquors' capability to warm the throats and enhance the moods of its imbibers, rather, it relates to the invention of the art of distillation and creation of alcohol.

Whether you're approaching the end of a meal, you and your dining companions want to linger. There are the Cognacs and Armagnacs and Brandies, there are Grappas, but then there are the Ports, Madeira's, Sauternes, late harvest dessert wines from Australia , America and from Europe. but then you might decide a single malt Scotches, even a single batch Bourbon or two. The mellowness, the fine feeling of a good meal with good friends promotes, can be enhanced by the pleasure of a pre or after dinner drink.

However for the uninitiated, this moment can be the same sort of trial a formidable wine list presents to one whose familiarity with the beverage extends to the house white. After dinner drinks are a distinct and complex element of a meal, one that has only recently engaged the interest of Americans. In Europe for hundreds of years distilled liquor has had its place at the end of the meal, not at the beginning, as is the practice in the United States.

Drinking chilled Vodka seemed popular as before as well as after dinner , in Italy. Again depending on the individual Scotch or Bourbon often preface, a meal. .Even the core after dinner drinks have been  imbibed as the sun is rising, not setting. The French working man occasionally enjoys a shot of Calvados in his or hers morning coffee, called café Calva. Italians do the same with grappa - but it is more discreetly called a café cometto.

The English of Empire days loved port at almost any time of the day or night. Sherry considered as an aperitif. Champagne, the one truly all purpose alcoholic drink, is a propos at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and anytime during, after and in between.