When the evening’s winding down, and it’s time to digest the meal, relax your mind, and get ready for a good night’s sleep, there’s nothing more delightful than an after-dinner drink. Here is the ideal guide to choosing and enjoying that nightcap, and it covers not only the traditional brandy, cognac, and port, but exotic and contemporary choices, too, from dessert wines and Madeira to Armagnac and eaux-de-vie to Irish coffees and cocktails. In addition to the drink recipes, there’s information on how to serve, how much to serve, the right glass, and accompaniments.

When the evening’s winding down, and it’s time to digest the meal, relax your mind, and get ready for a good night’s sleep, there’s nothing more delightful than an after-dinner drink. Here is the ideal guide to choosing and enjoying that nightcap, and it covers not only the traditional brandy, cognac, and port, but exotic and contemporary choices, too, from dessert wines and Madeira to Armagnac and eaux-de-vie to Irish coffees and cocktails. In addition to the drink recipes, there’s information on how to serve, how much to serve, the right glass, and accompaniments.