Why the After-Dinner Drink Matters
The after-dinner drink serves a purpose beyond simply extending the evening. Historically, digestifs were believed to aid digestion after a heavy meal, and while the science is debatable, the ritual is deeply satisfying. A well-chosen after-dinner drink signals that the meal was significant enough to deserve a proper conclusion rather than a hurried exit. It creates space for conversation, reflection, and the slow appreciation of a fine spirit or dessert wine. At Blu' Steakhouse in Hollywood, FL, the after-dinner service is designed to make you want to linger, enjoying the atmosphere and the company as the evening winds down naturally.
Classic Digestifs: Amaro, Grappa, and Cognac
Traditional European digestifs have been served after meals for centuries. Amaro, the Italian family of bitter herbal liqueurs, comes in dozens of varieties from the gentle Amaro Montenegro to the intensely bitter Fernet-Branca. Grappa, distilled from grape pomace, is a bracing Italian spirit that cleanses the palate. Cognac and Armagnac, French grape brandies aged in oak, offer warmth, complexity, and a luxurious finish to any meal. Each of these traditions emerged from a culture that valued the post-dinner ritual, and they remain perfect choices after a steak dinner. A snifter of Cognac after a USDA Prime steak is one of life's simple, elegant pleasures.
Whiskey: The American Choice
In the context of an American steakhouse, bourbon and rye whiskey are natural after-dinner choices. A well-aged bourbon sipped neat offers caramel, vanilla, and oak notes that echo the flavors of a perfectly seared steak. Rye whiskey, with its spicier profile, provides a more stimulating finish. Single malt Scotch brings smoky, peaty complexity for those who enjoy it. The key is to choose a spirit you enjoy sipping slowly rather than one you need to mix. After a dinner featuring the Tomahawk at $235 or the Wagyu Manhattan Cut at $100 at Blu' Steakhouse, a fine whiskey is the ideal conclusion, matching the quality of the meal with the quality of the spirit.
Dessert Wines and Port
For those who prefer wine to spirits, dessert wines and Port offer a beautiful ending to a steak dinner. Vintage Port, with its rich dark fruit and structured sweetness, is a classic after-dinner choice that pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts and cheese plates. Sauternes, the legendary sweet wine from Bordeaux, brings apricot, honey, and botrytis complexity that stands alone as a dessert in itself. Pedro Ximenez Sherry is intensely sweet with flavors of raisins, dates, and toffee. Even a late-harvest Riesling can provide a refreshing yet sweet conclusion. These wines offer lower alcohol than spirits while delivering concentrated flavor and a sense of occasion.
The Espresso Option
For those who prefer not to drink more alcohol after dinner, a well-made espresso is the steakhouse equivalent of an after-dinner drink. A single or double shot of espresso provides the same ritual pause, the same signal that the evening is worth extending, without additional alcohol. An espresso martini bridges both worlds, combining the caffeine and bitter coffee notes of espresso with the warmth of vodka. At Blu' Steakhouse, the after-dinner service includes options for every preference, ensuring that every guest can close their meal with something that feels intentional and satisfying regardless of their beverage choice.
Close Your Evening at Blu' Steakhouse
The art of the after-dinner drink is about savoring the final moments of an exceptional meal. At Blu' Steakhouse at 1900 Harrison St in Hollywood, FL, the spirits selection and dessert wine offerings are chosen to provide the perfect ending to an evening of USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and A5 Japanese Wagyu. Chef Javi Cano's kitchen delivers meals worth lingering over, and the blue velvet and brass atmosphere makes staying feel as natural as the first bite. Open Wednesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 11 PM, call 754-260-5189 to plan your complete steakhouse evening.
Ready to Experience Blu' Steakhouse?
Open Wednesday–Saturday from 5 PM. Located at 1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020.