The Baronessa

Photograph: Sashia Okshteyn

Diners indulging at the Italian eatery Fiore (284 Grand St between Havemeyer and Roebling Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-782-8222) are likely to succumb to the dangerous combination of generous portions and reasonable prices—a hefty serving of cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage goes for a mere $9. Fortunately for those who gorge (i.e., me), the Italians have been perfecting their digestivi, after-dinner sips utilizing various herbs and botanicals, for centuries. Rather than presenting these love-them-or-hate-them bitters in traditional snifters, Fiore has introduced five signature drinks, each mixing a classic after-dinner quaff into a postmeal cocktail. The star of the lineup is The Baronessa ($9), which highlights Cynar (pronounced CHI-nar), a syrupy cola-brown liqueur made from the leaves of the artichoke plant and a dozen other botanicals. Fresh orange and lime juices subdue the Cynar’s bite, while a hefty dose of Stoli balances its sweetness. A garnish of ground black pepper added to the glowing yellow surface, meanwhile, heightens the drink’s spicy intensity. Digestives are meant to be savored, but when it comes to the Baronessa, I order seconds.