Ammazzacaffè (Italian: [amˌmattsakafˈfɛ]; lit.'coffee-killer') is a small glass of liqueur usually consumed after coffee[1] to dull its taste or the caffeine effect. It is a common Italian custom, especially after a generous festive meal.

Amaro, served right after espresso

Ammazzacaffè is the popular Italian assimilation and adaptation of a usage born among aristocratic classes, where it was common to move to a different room to smoke and to serve a cognac or brandy after dinner.

Nowadays, it is still a common custom in Italy, even at lunch, and it is made of bitters or a local liqueur. In some northern zones (Veneto or Trentino regions), people used to rinse out the emptied coffee cup with liqueur (traditionally grappa) that they would then drink (resentin); this also happens in Piedmont, where this custom is called "pusacaffè".

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Evans, Matthew (2013). The Dirty Chef. Allen & Unwin. p. 22. ISBN 9781743316962. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
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