What's the difference between a digestif and an aperitif?

An aperitif is a pre-dinner drink that stimulates the appetite (typically lighter, slightly bitter, lower-ABV). A digestif is a post-dinner drink that helps settle the stomach (typically stronger, sweeter, often herbal).

Both words come from the same Latin root family but bookend a meal. Aperitif (aperitivo in Italian, apéritif in French): served before dinner, around 6 to 8 PM. Designed to wake up the appetite. Lighter ABV, often slightly bitter to stimulate digestion. Examples: Aperol Spritz, Negroni, Americano, Lillet Blanc on ice, dry sherry, gin and tonic, vermouth on the rocks, champagne. Digestif (digestivo, digestif): served after dinner, around 9 to 11 PM. Designed to settle a full stomach. Higher ABV typically, often sweet or herbal, sometimes very bitter. Examples: Fernet-Branca, Averna, Montenegro, grappa, cognac, calvados, port, sambuca, limoncello, Chartreuse. Some bottles work as either depending on serve: Campari is aperitif when long-served as a Spritz, digestif when served neat. Cynar is similar. The cultural ritual matters as much as the chemistry — an aperitif primes you to want dinner; a digestif tells you dinner is over and conversation continues.